Engaging high school students in the development of more peaceful communities : a case study in Honduras

Abstract

Honduras is a country fraught by inequality and injustice, which has a detrimental effect an all spheres and socio-economic sectors of the population. According to the World Bank, Honduras has registered the second highest economic growth rates in Central America, only behind Panama, yet the country is still steeped in high levels of poverty and inequality. This is not helped by the high levels of criminal activity spearheaded by organized crime, gangs and aided by high levels of systemic corruption. This research is a participative approach with 10th and 11th grade students in order to evaluate the need for peacebuilding actions at a school level. A participative action research approach was used ensuring that the youth were fully involved in analysing the different aspects and levels of conflict and violence in their communities. The process involves using surveys, interviews and discussions in order to collect the necessary data. Although numerous events impeded the implementation of the experience gained there was an opportunity share some of which was learnt with students and observe a change in their outlook on conflict and violence and their appreciation for peacebuilding.