SMP Muhammadiyah 8 Bandung
Highlight
BDW program at SMP Muhammadiyah 8 Bandung promotes tolerance and understanding among students from different religious backgrounds.
About the Project
SMP Muhammadiyah 8 Bandung implements peace values using the 12 Basic Values of Peace (NDP) module from PeaceGen to build students' character. One of the flagship programs implemented is Breaking Down the Walls (BDW), a program that brings together students from different religious backgrounds to engage in dialogue and build mutual understanding.
Strategy
The BDW program aims to reduce prejudice and create space for students to get to know and understand religious differences. In this case, SMP Muhammadiyah 8 Bandung collaborated with SMP Kristen Yahya Bandung to conduct an inter-school visit. This program was chosen because the current curriculum did not provide enough space to teach peace values and diversity directly.
As the Deputy Head of School for Student Affairs, Cepi Aunilah emphasized the importance of direct experience for students to feel and learn about differences. This program was designed to provide real experiences about differences through direct interaction between students, not just theoretical learning.
Results & Impact
The impact of implementing BDW has been significant. Students who previously had prejudices against peers from different religions are now able to view differences more openly. One example of this impact is the story of Sarah Huwaidah, a student, who initially thought Christians were arrogant, but after participating in the BDW program, she realized that her prejudice was unfounded.
“I initially thought Christians were arrogant. But it turns out they are nice, and even now we still chat and remain friends,” Sarah said.
The program successfully created more harmonious relationships between students from various religious backgrounds and introduced them to the importance of peace in daily life.
Why This Program is Important
This program can serve as a model for other schools in implementing character education based on peace. The implementation of peace values through this hands-on, experience-based approach is essential in building a generation of young people who are empathetic, tolerant, and ready to face social challenges in an increasingly diverse world.
Interested in Implementing a Similar Program at Your School?
At PeaceGen, we are ready to help you implement the Breaking Down the Walls program or the 12 Basic Values of Peace module at your school. Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss how this program can make a positive impact on your educational community.
Click here to contact us and start the journey of creating a generation of peace!
