On March 29 The Armidale Express newspaper in New South Wales, Australia covered the Peace Education Program (PEP) and “Inside Peace,” a feature documentary film that highlights the impact of the program on inmates at Dominguez State Jail in Texas.

The article includes perspective from Dr. Marty Branagan, head of the Peace Studies Department at the University of New England in Armidale.

“It’s an inspirational film, but it’s also educational,” he says. “This film and program look at creating peace at an individual level, peace within, a sense of self-worth and dignity. That benefits the people who learn that, such as these inmates and society as a whole.”

After “Inside Peace” makes its April 4 debut in Armidale at Belgrave Cinema, a panel discussion will take place “to explore issues raised in the film and discuss how the program can help both in prisons and in other contexts,” the article reports.

In addition to Branagan, the panel will include: Kevin Dupé, CEO of the Regional Australia Bank; Brad Widders, Armidale Regional Councillor and member of the Anaiwan community; Cynthia Briggs, local indigenous elder; and Bernie Shakeshaft, founder of youth service BackTrack.

A Peace Education Program Briefing Day will be held at the University of New England the next day to further inform people about the program.

Read the complete story in The Armidale Express here.