Breaking Down The Wall (BDW)

Highlight

BDW brings together 400 junior high school students and 40 teachers from Muslim and Christian schools through creative peace education and anti-bullying training.

Program Overview

BDW is a program designed to foster dialogue between different communities, both in schools and on campuses. The program focuses on creating understanding and tolerance between groups with diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.

Program Goals

BDW aims to facilitate the meeting of two different communities so they can learn from each other, listen, and share experiences, in order to create a sense of safety and mutual understanding. The program also focuses on reducing prejudice and increasing interfaith tolerance.

Program Background

BDW stems from the importance of nurturing religious tolerance and reducing prejudice in society. The program was inspired by the story of two students, Yusuf and Rio, who participated in their respective religious events, illustrating religious fanaticism. Based on this experience, PeaceGen initiated BDW to promote dialogue and reduce interfaith tensions.

Methods and Approach

This program combines peace education with direct meetings between students and teachers from different religious schools. Participants have learned the 12 Basic Values of Peace and were then invited to visit other schools to exchange experiences. Various activities such as board games for peace, cultural arts, and sports were conducted to introduce them to different religious traditions and school environments.

Program Outcomes

1. Schools Involved:

• Solo: Muhammadiyah SIMPON School and SMP Regina Pacis Ursulin

• Palu: Muhammadiyah High School and GKST Imanuel Christian High School

• Bandung: SMP 8 Muhammadiyah Bandung and SMP Kristen Yahya Bandung

• Makassar: Schools with different religious backgrounds (similar to the Bandung program)
  
  

2. A total of 166 beneficiaries participated during the 2021-2022 period, consisting of students and accompanying teachers.

3. 40 teachers played a role in guiding the students throughout the program.

4. There was an improvement in participants' understanding of other people's traditions, cultures, beliefs, and noble values, with their score increasing from 3 to 4.

Testimonials

“Through the 12 Basic Values of Peace training, I learned to accept myself and eliminate prejudices against others. This has been very useful in everyday life.” – Rebecca Haposan Xonia Sinaga

“This event taught me to understand someone before judging them. I am now happier and no longer focus on a person's economic status or social class.” – Joel Filipus

Let’s Create Spaces for Dialogue and Tolerance with BDW

Would you like to bring BDW to your school, campus, or community? We are ready to help facilitate meetings between different communities, create safe spaces for learning and sharing, and foster greater tolerance. Contact us for consultation.