Education
The PACS Institute believes that peace education is essential to building sustainable, non-violent communities. Our programs translate rigorous interdisciplinary research into practical applications, enabling individuals and communities to actively engage in peacebuilding – from school classrooms in Mexico to youth and practitioners around the world.
Approach
We recognize that sustainable change requires comprehensive peace education. In collaboration with local organizations and schools, we develop and implement structured peace education curricula that:
• Foster non-violent conflict resolution skills in learners
• Encourage respectful communication and cooperative problem-solving
• Empower children to reflect on their behaviour and build healthier relationships
Our approach is grounded in rigorous academic research and tailored to the cultural and social context of each community.
Project Spotlight:
Preventing School Violence
Fracción Milpillas, Mexico
PACS Institute piloted a comprehensive peace education program in 2022 in Fracción Milpillas, Mexico — a community with one of the highest rates of school violence globally. This initiative included:
• Curriculum development: Modules focused on communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Teacher training: Workshops equipping educators with tools and methods to effectively teach peace education.
• Community engagement: Involvement of parents and local leaders to reinforce non-violent principles beyond the classroom.
Through practical exercises and guided reflections, the program sought to lay a foundation for non-violent interactions and to empower young people with skills to foster a more harmonious school environment.
The pilot initiative yielded valuable insights into how targeted, participatory education can reduce violence and improve social cohesion. It underscored the importance of early intervention and laid the groundwork for scaling similar programs in other contexts. Moving forward, we will refine our methods and expand our reach. This includes adapting the curriculum for other communities affected by violence and ensuring that our educational work continues to promote lasting change.
Download the full pilot report for in-depth findings and methodology
Equipping the Next Generation of Peace Innovators
Mentorship Program
The PACS Mentorship Program provides emerging scholars and practitioners with opportunities to:
• Engage in interdisciplinary peace research and contribute to the field’s knowledge base
• Design and implement peace education initiatives, turning theory into practice
• Gain experience in high-level advocacy, bridging research with policy discussions on peace and conflict
Through one-on-one mentorship, participants are prepared to become leaders and innovators in peace education and advocacy. If you are a student or young professional committed to peace and human rights, we encourage you to apply to our mentorship program.
Get Involved
We invite educators, policymakers, and community leaders to partner with the PACS Institute to advance peace education. Opportunities include:
• Co-developing and implementing curricula tailored to various educational settings
• Taking part in training programs that equip stakeholders with effective peace education strategies
• Engaging in research and evaluation to measure the impact of peace education initiatives
Join our global network of collaborators committed to fostering a culture of peace through education.