The Peace Education Program for High Schools and Universities
An Innovative Video-based Workshop Designed to Help Students:
*Develop inner resources
*Make better choices
*Become more resilient
Overview
The Peace Education Program for High Schools and Universities (PEP EDU) is designed to promote critical and creative thinking, genuine reflection and thoughtful discussion, while helping students develop greater personal awareness and resilience. The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) makes the workshop series available free of charge and provides support and guidance for facilitating the workshops virtually or in person.
Developed for students starting at age 14, each of the 10 sessions features 20-30 minutes of engaging video content on the themes of Peace, Appreciation, Inner Strength, Self-Awareness, Dignity, Choice, Hope, Clarity, Understanding and Contentment. The workshop format also includes discussion topics and reflection activities to enhance student learning. Accompanying print materials include a one-page article on each theme, a Student Workbook, an Educator’s Guide, and detailed Session Plans.
The content is drawn from author and peace educator Prem Rawat’s international presentations, media interviews, and interactions with a diverse range of audiences. The content is neither religious nor political.
Social Emotional Learning Standards
The Peace Education Program supports educational standards for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Competencies in Self-awareness, Social Awareness, Responsible Decision-Making, Self-management and Relationship Skills.
“Evaluation of the Peace Education Program for Schools”
Read the Summary with Key Takeways
- 100% of participating students reported that “the program helped them in their lives” and
82% said they would recommend the program to others. - Teachers reported that the program “complemented other learning activities, improved academic performance, student attitudes and self-awareness.”
“An Evaluation of the Facilitator Experience of the Peace Education Program (EDU)”
In 2023 an evaluation of the Peace Education Program EDU facilitator experience across schools in India, Australia, New Zealand, United States and England reported strong endorsements for how the program benefits students across different ages and cultures by focusing on self-reflection and universal considerations. The evaluation was produced by Tātai Angitu, Institute of Education, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Key Takeways
- Facilitators “endorsed the program’s ability to appeal to and engage students of different ages, in different education sectors” and the evaluation found that “the course materials offer layers of demanding complexity, nuance and depth from which students can derive personal insights and growth.”
- The evaluation found that the program materials “reach across and transcend religious, cultural and ethnic differences.”
“Impact Evaluation of the Peace Education Program
on Students of the Unihorizonte University Foundation of Bogotá, Colombia”
In 2021 the Unihorizonte University Foundation of Bogotá, Colombia completed an impact evaluation of the Peace Education Program on students, finding that the program helped nearly all of them recognize and be more aware of their internal resources as valuable tools for their lives. Attitudinal changes included enhanced appreciation for life; behavioral changes included empowerment to make changes in one’s own life, and in relating to others.
Read the Summary with Key Takeaways
• Awareness of internal resources including peace, appreciation, choice and hope, increased from 55% to 97%.
• Changes included enhanced appreciation for life; understanding the possibility and importance of feeling peace; empowerment to make changes in life.
Resources for The Peace Education Program for High Schools and Universities
For Students
52-page Workbook
It provides four pages of course materials for each of the 10 themes, covering content, discussion topics and activities that support reflection and retention.
For Educators
Downloadable Course Videos
Engaging videos exploring each of the 10 themes.
82-page Educator’s Guide
This Guide includes all of the content noted above, plus additional context and guidance for facilitators.
Session Plans
The session plans contain over 60 pages of carefully detailed suggestions for
flexible planning, smooth presentation and interactive discussion of each theme.
Key Understandings
A brief summary of key learning insights.
About The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF)
The Prem Rawat Foundation makes the Peace Education Program available free of charge and provides support and guidance for facilitating the workshops virtually or in person. Since 2012, the course has been presented to over 400,000 people in 80 countries and translated into 40 languages. TPRF also has several other humanitarian initiatives to provide food, water and other aid to people in need, earning the highest rankings from independent charity evaluators for transparency, financial accountability and leadership.
What students and teachers say:
Cambridge University Student
“I thought a very poignant thing that Prem Rawat said is that education is not just about a head full of equations, but of peace within ourselves. I think that is very relevant to students”
12th Grade Student
“It has had an impact on my anxiety. It is really important. It’s hard to be a kid in this world.”
School Media Specialist
“We are not just lecturing them about not bullying or this or that character trait; we are giving them tools to be amazing human beings and to help them maneuver in very tricky waters.”
Parent of Peace Education Program Participant
“Something that the Peace Education Program does is connect you to something bigger, a bigger sense of community, while also showing you that you have the responsibility in yourself, and you have the power in yourself.”
Download Program Materials
Key Understandings (PDF)
Student Flyer -Two sided (PDF) flyer designed to build student interest with QR code linking to the Student Trailer.
PEP EDU Overview of
Program Resources (PDF)
See how the Peace Education Program is benefiting students at a public school in Elbert, Colorado.
Popular at public schools in Cusco, Peru, the Peace Education Program is bringing together students, teachers, and police to cultivate new hope and understanding.
To learn more and inquire about offering the course, email our team of educators: [email protected]
FAQs about the Peace Education Program for Schools and Universities (PEP EDU)
What is the Peace Education Program for Schools and Universities?
The Peace Education Program for High Schools and Universities (PEP EDU) is designed for students ages 14 – 25. Each of the 10 sessions is based around a particular theme with 20 – 30 minutes of short videos. The content is drawn from author and peace educator Prem Rawat’s international presentations, media interviews and interactions with a diverse range of audiences. The content is inclusive and nonpolitical. The workshop sessions are designed to promote critical and creative thinking, genuine reflection and thoughtful discussion, while helping students develop greater personal awareness and resilience.
How can I bring the PEP EDU to my school or university?
Educators who are interested in bringing PEP EDU to their educational institution should send an email to [email protected]. A member of the PEP Education Support Team will get back to you to provide assistance.
What is involved in starting a PEP EDU course?
Visit the PEP EDU page to become familiar with information about the course and available resources, including course content, success stories and videos from the field, and evidence and results.
Send an email to [email protected] to express interest in offering the course. A member of the PEP Education Support Team will get back to you to provide assistance.
Is PEP EDU considered to be Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum?
The Peace Education Program is a unique course of self-discovery for each individual participant. PEP EDU course materials support the educational standards identified by The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL): self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision making, self-management, and relationship skills.
What are the ten themes of the Peace Education Program for Schools and Universities?
Peace, Appreciation, Inner Strength, Self-Awareness, Clarity, Understanding, Dignity, Choice, Hope and Contentment.
What are the objectives of the Peace Education Program for Schools and Universities (PEP EDU)?
The objectives of the Peace Education Program are for participants to:
- Explore the possibility of personal peace.
- Develop their inner resources, such as inner strength, choice and dignity.
- Make better choices.
- Become more resilient.
- Recognize their innate value as human beings.
How long does it take to complete the 10 themes of PEP EDU?
The course can be completed in as little as 10 class periods. The videos are 20 – 30 minutes per theme. In addition, each theme contains a variety of activities, providing the educator options to fit their class time and student population.
What is the size limit for PEP EDU courses?
Group size is only limited by the size of the facility where it is offered. The workshops are appropriate for small groups of a few students as well as with a classroom of students. Participation in the courses should be voluntary.
What is the recommended age for students participating in the PEP EDU?
The course is designed for students ages 14 – 25.
What kind of training is needed to facilitate PEP EDU?
Educators interested in using PEP EDU with their students are encouraged to participate in a free orientation provided by TPRF. The half-day professional development workshop, offered in-person or online, is designed to familiarize educators with the course materials and best practices for using them with students. To sign up for an orientation, please send an email to [email protected].
What support is offered after the orientation?
The PEP Support Educators are available to assist instructors and answer any questions about PEP EDU. They can be contacted at [email protected].
Which schools and universities have used PEP EDU?
PEP EDU is being piloted at educational institutions in several countries – Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, and the US to name a few. The pilots will conclude in 2022. We look forward to making PEP EDU broadly available in 2023.
What data is available to show that PEP EDU works with students?
There have been several research studies that have shown the effectiveness of the Peace Education Program in a variety of settings. You can read those reports here.
During the PEP EDU pilot phase, Massey University in New Zealand is conducting an impact assessment to measure the effectiveness of the course. The results will be made available at the conclusion of the pilot process.
Is PEP EDU available in other languages?
Currently the course is only available in English. Translation into other languages will begin in 2023.
Is the Peace Education Program available for juvenile correction facilities?
Yes. In fact, other versions of the Peace Education Program have been used in juvenile correction settings for several years. The course was very well received by the participants. This latest version, PEP EDU, is designed to be even more engaging for young people.
What alternative educational facilities can host PEP EDU?
The PEP EDU course may be used in educational settings that serve young people ages 14 – 25. This includes but is not limited to after-school programs, youth facilities, clubs, shelters, and correctional facilities.
Can PEP EDU be offered virtually?
While offering PEP EDU in person is optimal, the course can be presented virtually. For educators presenting the course online, the discussion topics and activities provided in the Educator’s Guide can be easily adapted for the online format. Best practices and practical tips for facilitating virtual courses can be provided.
What is the Prem Rawat Foundation?
The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) is a nonprofit public foundation created in 2001. TPRF advances dignity, peace and prosperity by addressing the fundamental human needs of food, water and peace. The Foundation is building a more peaceful world, one person at a time.
Learn more about TPRF here.
Who is Prem Rawat?
He is an author and widely recognized international speaker on the topic of personal peace and has traveled the world speaking to people in large and small gatherings for over 50 years. Prem Rawat’s presentations resonate with audiences from all walks of life, regardless of their education, beliefs, age, culture or economic status. He is also the inspiration for the Pledge to Peace, a call to peaceful action, signed by 37 institutions and launched at the European Parliament. For more information visit https://www.premrawat.com/ and https://tprf.org/prem-rawat/
What is the Peace Education Program?
The Peace Education Program is an innovative series of video-based facilitated workshops that help people discover their own inner strength and personal peace. The program gives participants the opportunity to focus and reflect on their own humanity, plus learn about their inner resources such as choice, hope and dignity. Developed by The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), the Peace Education Program offers several courses, each consisting of 10 workshops based on themes for exploring one’s inner resources. The content of each workshop is based on excerpts from the international talks about personal peace by TPRF’s founder, Prem Rawat.
Where is the Peace Education Program being conducted?
Peace Education Programs are currently offered in a wide variety of settings globally and are available in many languages.The workshops have proven effective in a variety of settings including community centers, youth groups, schools, adult education programs, veterans’ groups, healthcare settings, senior centers, homeless shelters, drug rehabilitation facilities and correctional facilities.
Further questions?
Please send any questions not answered in FAQs to [email protected] and a member of the PEP Education Support Team will get back to you to provide assistance.