A PARADIGM SHIFT FROM VIOLENCE TO NON-VIOLENCE, By Dr. Machira Apollos

Dr. Machira Apollos

About the author:  Dr. Machira Apollos has an earned doctorate from United Graduate College and Seminary, USA. He resides in Kenya, Africa and is active in peacekeeping training around the world. The following is excerpts from his article “A Paradigm Shift From Violence to Non-Violence.” 

     It is a fact that we live in a world with conflicts: war, torture, ethno-cultural rivalries and violence. Against those problems there is a slow but growing recognition of the value of non-violence to solve them. For the educator, more than a subject, nonviolence has to be an attitude within the whole teaching practice, involving the entire staff of the school, parents and the surrounding community in a common, shared endeavor.

     At first glance, violence may appear to be a superior technique for resolving conflicts or achieving desired ends because it has obvious and tangible strategies and weapons. Nonviolent techniques are often more difficult to visualize and there is no shortage of moral and practical dilemmas that skeptics are able to raise as impediments to taking nonviolence seriously.

     Yet many reasons can be offered for the employment of nonviolence: it is a 'weapon' available to all, it is least likely to alienate opponents and third parties, and it breaks the cycle of violence and counter-violence. It leaves open the possibility of conversion; . . . Further, it is more likely to produce a constructive rather than a destructive outcome, it is a method of conflict resolution that may aim to arrive at the truth of a given situation (rather than mere victory for one side) and it is the only method of struggle that is consistent with the teachings of the major religions.

     Nonviolence can also be the basis for a way of life: it is consistent with a belief in the underlying unity of humankind and it is the only method of action, interpersonal or political, that does not block that path to what has often been called 'self-realization'.

     Success through nonviolent action can be achieved in three main ways. Firstly, accommodation may result when the opponent has not experienced a change of heart but has conceded some or all points in order to gain peace or to cut losses. Secondly, nonviolent coercion may result when the opponent wants to continue the struggle but cannot do so because they have lost the sources of power and means of control. Thirdly, conversion may result when the opponent has changed inwardly to the degree that they want to make the changes desired by the nonviolent activist (or indeed the nonviolent activist has changed towards the views of the opponent).

     Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. King is often presented as a heroic leader in the history of modern American liberalism.

M. L. KING’S PRINCIPLES OF NONVIOLENCE

1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.

• It is active nonviolent resistance to evil.
• It is assertive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
• It is always persuading the opponent of the justice of your cause.

2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.

• The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.
• The purpose of nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community.

3. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.

• Nonviolence holds that evildoers are also victims.

4. Nonviolence holds that voluntary suffering can educate and transform.

• Nonviolence willingly accepts the consequences of its acts.
• Nonviolence accepts suffering without retaliation.
• Nonviolence accepts violence if necessary, but will never inflict it.
• Unearned suffering is redemptive and has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.
• Suffering can have the power to convert the enemy when reason fails.

5. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.

•  Nonviolence resists violence of the spirit as well as of the body.
•  Nonviolent love gives willingly, knowing that the return might be hostility.
•  Nonviolent love is active, not passive.
•  Nonviolent love does not sink to the level of the hater.
•  Love for the enemy is how we demonstrate love for ourselves.
•  Love restores community and resists injustice.
•  Nonviolence recognizes the fact that all life is interrelated.

6. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.

• The nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win.

M. L. KING’S STEPS OF NONVIOLENCE

Step 1: Gather Information

     Learn all you can about the problems you see in your community through the media, social and civic organizations, and by talking to the people involved.

Step 2: Educate Others

     Armed with your new knowledge, it is your duty to help those around you, such as your neighbors; relatives, friends and co-workers, better understand the problems facing society. Build a team of people devoted to finding solutions. Be sure to include those who will be directly affected by your work.

Step 3: Remain Committed

     Accept that you will face many obstacles and challenges as you and your team try to change society. Agree to encourage and inspire one another along the journey.

Step 4: Peacefully Negotiate

     Talk with both sides. Go to the people in your community who are in trouble and who are deeply hurt by society’s ills. Also go to those people who are contributing to the breakdown of a peaceful society. Use humor, intelligence and grace to lead to solutions that benefit the greater good.

Step 5: Take Action Peacefully

     This step is often used when negotiation fails to produce results, or when people need to draw broader attention to a problem. It can include tactics such as peaceful demonstrations, letter writing and petition campaign.

Step 6: Reconcile

     Keep all actions and negotiations peaceful and constructive. Agree to disagree with some people and with some groups as you work to improve society. Show all involved the benefits of changing, not what they will give up by changing.

Conclusion

     The use of violent methods of conflict resolution has become redundant over time, as they don’t address the core causes of conflict because they are only short-term interventions. This has led to a paradigm shift to non-violent methods, which are a good weapon to deal and solve conflicts world over. The many methods of non violent conflict resolutions has brought about peace and harmony the world over in places where they have been applied hence a challenge to shift to nonviolence mechanisms of conflict resolution.

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The complete article is on file in the office of Prof. Donella Pitzl, Director of International Ministers Education Association – imea.drrivers.worldwide@gmail.com.

First Lady of Burundi Moves Her Country Into IT Education

H.E. Denise Nkurunziza

First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Denise Nkurunziza and Founder of the Buntu Foundation is identifying the need to move Burundi into the IT age. There are many obstacles but together, with the Buntu Foundation, H.E. Denise Nkurunziza is pushing forward for the sake of their youth and the education arenas they need to move into.

Due to a lack of electricity in rural areas and computer labs in many schools, in Burundi, almost 99% of pupils finish high schools without touching even a mouse of a computer. In order to improve education in our nation, Buntu Foundation has decided to reach schools in villages, particularly those in final years; offering them classes on Computer Basics, Introduction to Microsoft Windows, Introduction to Microsoft Word and Internet basics.

IT Bus

These classes are held in a Buntu Foundation IT Bus that accommodates 18 students. This IT Bus is designed to even reach those schools where there is no electricity and generators are used for power.

Dr. Denise Nkurunziza called on the people of Burundi- particularly those less fortunate to invest in education. “People can anticipate a bright future if only they invest in education.” Moreover, she stated that, “People should learn different skills so as to increase their opportunities to get employment.  In Burundi, a widely found obstacle to getting employment is a lack of computer skills.

Buntu Foundation is aiming to reach a great number of people whose lives are at risk because of illiteracy and lack of skills or ability to work effectively. It’s a task that is demanding and needing many resources.

Top Online Biblical Educator Receives Key Appointment in Burundi Africa

Prof. Donella Pitzl Addressing a Graduating Christian Education Class in Africa

Honorary Ambassador at large for the Republic of Burundi is moving into a new phase of development for Burundi. We are moving into Christian faith-based education. We are looking to bring a biblical worldview to the ministers and spiritual leaders of Burundi.

Dr. Rivers said, “It is not everyday that the Republic of Burundi has the chance to work with a top biblical professor such as Prof. Donella Pitzl. She is trained in international biblical education. She knows how to work online distance learning programs and has created programs worldwide. She has traveled extensively internationally and has over 40 years of ministry experience. It is a privilege to have this kind of experience working to help a nation.”

Professor Donella Pitzl Ph.D. is being appointed as an Advisor on Religious Issues for the Republic of Burundi.

FORMER NAVAJO NATION PRESIDENT RECEIVES HONOR AS A PEACEMAKER

Dr. Clyde Rivers, Dr. Kelsey Begaye, Dr. Robert Ornales

Dr. Kelsey A. Begaye, Former President of the Navajo Nation, has received an honorary doctorate from United Graduate College and Seminary for his valiant efforts to reunite the Navajo Nation. There was a time when there was great disharmony within the Navajo Nation and Former President of the Navajo Nation, Dr. Begaye, was a unifier of the people.

Prof. Clyde Rivers, Founder of IMEA as well as a World Peace Ambassador with Universal Peace Federation said, “Any peacemaker is a man after God’s own heart. As I had the opportunity to meet with the Former President, Dr. Begaye, I was very impressed with the work he is doing in the Navajo Nation today. One of the areas he is working to help is with the issues of alcoholism among the Navajo. I look forward to partnering International Ministers Education Association with Dr. Begaye; to help the Navajo Nation with bible based training – biblical principles for living. It will be an honor to join Dr. Begaye in helping people around the world.”

DR. RIVERS MEDIA AND ELITE TV CREATE MEDIA EDUCATION SYSTEM

Prof. Rivers, Dr. Ornales, Lil' Battleaxe Ornales

Two international media organizations create partnership to develop a biblical media and entertainment education system.  Founder and President of Elite TV and SOG Media, Dr. Robert Ornales, a renowned music and entertainment guru, has partnered with Prof. Clyde Rivers, Founder of Dr. Rivers Media and International Ministers Education Association, IMEA. Together they realize people have not been trained in solid ethical principles, as outlined in the bible, as a guide to excellence. Prof. Rivers says, “We want to teach the next generation how to engage in media and entertainment from a Godly perspective that builds up and gives back to society.”

Both of these organizations feel there must be a change in order to bring good back to the media and the entertainment world. This training system will be completed within the next couple of months and we look forward to its release. It’s time to change the world.

How Do I Become a Transformative Teacher? – Part 3 By Prof. Michal Pitzl

Prof. Michal Pitzl

Below are three keys to becoming a Transformative Teacher. I have listed a few practical things you can implement in your teaching practices. Start with one and commit to the process. You will not do it perfect in the beginning, but that is part of learning new skills. Always reflect on your teachings. Ask yourself: What went well and what can I do to improve the next time? In this way you become a positive role model for others, showing them how to engage in the learning process.

Use these techniques and see the results for yourself. Only then will they become a part of your teaching philosophy and methodology. Use them enough and they will become second nature.

Ø Clear Targets: Before you teach clearly state the learning targets/objectives. Make them visible for people to see (i.e. on paper, on the chalkboard, or have them write them down.) Clear targets will be guides for your instruction and for your people as they learn new things. Refer to the targets often during instruction, to keep your teaching purposeful. *If you find that something you are teaching or doing does not refer to one of the targets, do not do it. It is okay to change your teaching plans. This shows professionalism, and that you know your teaching targets and you know how to teach them. It is also a great model for your people to see that learning means we must be willing to change and grow.

Ø Frequent Feedback: This type of feedback helps to form your teaching as well as what your people are learning. Ask the questions: How do I know if the people understand what I am teaching? How do I give the people a chance to respond to what they are learning? The following ideas can be used after teaching a new concept, during group discussion or independent activity.

Ø Questioning:

§       Exit Cards: People write down one thing they learned and one question they have and turn it in before they leave. You can choose to address them or not, but it gives you new perspectives and an idea of what your people learned.

§       Quick Checks: Questions during teaching to engage people in dialogue. These provide you with immediate information about people’s learning. It also gives them a way to process what they are learning.

Ø Observations: Gather evidence of learning during dialogue, group work, presentations, etc.

Ø Discussion: Discussion allows you to hear the people’s understanding of a learning target. You are also able to ask guiding questions to check for understanding.

Ø Think-Pair-Share: This is a three step process: Give people time to think about a concept, then have them pair up with another person and share their thinking with the other. You can walk around and observe and listen to check for understanding. Finally, pairs get up and share their thinking with the whole group (this is optional). This technique gives people the time and opportunity to process their own thinking as well as gain new insights from a peer.

Ø Informed Teaching: As a teacher, you must review the information from frequent feedback in order to inform your teaching. It is your responsibility to design your teaching to meet the needs of your people and get them to understand and use the learning targets. Based on feedback you can prepare to answer questions, re-teach a missed concept in a way that people can better understand, or even skip a learning target and move forward if your students prove mastery of the subject.

During this process, think: How will I create a learning atmosphere that will make my people feel safe and free to ask for help if they need it or share their unique opinions?