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If I had a chance to change the world, I would encourage people to strive for lifelong learning and provide them with the opportunities to learn and develop. I see education as one of the most important steps that could help eradicate wars and conflicts. I would prefer to see that people live in peace, raise children, do their favorite things, and prosper. However, nowadays, individuals confront each other for political, social, cultural, and religious considerations, sometimes disregarding one of the God’s Commandments that “you are not to commit murder”. In my opinion, one of the reasons for confrontations is a low level of education among the global population, and ignorance can be regarded as the major cause of war conflicts. Therefore, education and striving for lifelong learning can be considered as effective tools to reduce or eliminate military collisions worldwide https://super-essays-service.com/informative-papers-buy-now

Education as a Peacemaking Tool

Education is potentially a highly effective peacemaking instrument. The problem of ignorance that increases the likelihood of military conflicts is not even the overall level of education of the population within the country. On the one hand, it is understandable that African states where people suffer from deadly diseases cannot make education their priority. Consistently, the African continent is replete with ongoing conflicts over resources, lands, or national issues. On the other hand, even though high-income countries have high levels of education and realize the benefits of literate and intellectually developed citizens, they still become involved in war conflicts. Therefore, it can be seen that the lack of education is not the precursor of war and, conversely, high levels of education do not guarantee peace in the country. An interesting point is made by Agbor who states that conflicts have been found to start during the times of essential changes within societies, including modernization processes. Thus, education can be considered as a tool to elucidate the causes and effects of modernization and, in such a way, prevent conflicts.

Education can be a measure of social equality through the accessibility of learning environments and educators by potential students. Since social inequality is one of the reasons for social conflicts, affordable and accessible education can contribute to social well-being and, thus, reduce the likelihood of war. Therefore, social inequality is often expressed in education accessible only to certain social circles for economic or social reasons. Inequality can be in the form of situations when children cannot study because their parents do not have money to buy them clothes and books or take them to the nearest educational institution. An even more infamous reason is the inability to attend school because of an ongoing military collision when children have to stay at home not to risk their lives going to school. Therefore, education can decrease the probability of the occurrence of military conflicts by performing its role of social solace.

In addition, education is an instrument that can defuse conflicts that arise on political or cultural grounds. Research demonstrates that it is an effective tool to reduce the possibility of military collisions between states in Africa. Furthermore, a greater number of educated people is likely to reduce the likelihood of war occurrence. Moreover, it is through education that students can learn the words from the Bible, “blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God”. However, policymakers who want to become peacemakers have to be aware of the direction they want to lead their population in with the help of the education system.

Direction of Education and Lifelong Learning

Basic subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and languages are crucial for children to understand the world around them and find their place in it. However, besides the purely teaching role, educators can also be regarded as responsible for character building and instilling certain values in their students. Moreover, teachers contribute to the characters of their mentees with a personal example. Thus, Agbor doubts the adequacy and appropriateness of education that encourages aggressiveness and discriminating attitudes. The author considers the example of teachers who do not condemn genocide as a crime against humanity as inadequate mentors for younger generation (Agbor 3). According to the researcher, such lessons are likely to increase the possibility of conflicts. However, educators in such cases should remember the words, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”. Consequently, education itself is not the prerequisite for peace. As it can be seen, adequate education that promotes general values and guides students in the right direction would be the most beneficial for reducing or eliminating the likelihood of the occurrence of wars.

Another important point is lifelong learning. While education can be a finite process that ends with obtaining a certificate, lifelong learning fosters a continuous development of an individual and focuses the person’s mind on humanitarian issues. Policymakers who are interested in eradicating conflicts should create suitable environments and ensure equal opportunities for all potential students. The Bible addresses people with the emphasis on education, lifelong learning, and their importance for human life: “Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life”. Thus, lifelong learning is a pivotal quality of the educational process that is likely to reduce the possibility of military conflicts.

The improvement of education levels is a beneficial priority since it is believed to reduce conflicts between individuals, communities, and nations. However, the quality and direction of education are essential. Positive values, perceptions, and attitudes should be instilled, which would not promote aggressiveness among people and would direct their wills and aspirations toward lifelong learning and personal development. Consequently, education and lifelong learning represent effective instruments to reduce or eliminate war conflicts worldwide through the eradication of ignorance and inequality as the major causes of collisions.