Education for peace and social cohesion in a multicultural society: observations from Kunene region, Namibia

Abstract

This chapter looks at Namibia, a multicultural democracy that hardly ever makes the news in relation to intercultural conflict. Since independence, this southern African country has put a lot of effort into reforming its education sector to make it more inclusive and culturally sensitive. In one of its recent attempts to provide quality, relevant education, the government introduced a new curriculum that is designed to foster the highest moral and ethical values of democracy, tolerance, mutual understanding and to develop and enhance respect for other people's beliefs, religions, cultures and ways of life. The programme introduces a multimodal, culture-sensitive education that should accommodate the various lifestyles, traditions and languages of the Namibian population. The aim of the curriculum and the vision of the country presented in the document show Namibia's commitment to strengthening social cohesion and guaranteeing a learning environment conducive for pupils from all cultural groups. This chapter offers a glimpse into the reality on the ground, examining the implementation of the project in the province of Kunene.