Added Value
Added Value
One of the unique strengths of the CLS approach is its holistic view of education. So CLS strives to meet basic needs of children within the peacebuilding process. Furthermore, food shortages can themselves be a source of conflict. CLS has accordingly shaped its program so that in schools where communities cannot afford a meal for a schoolchild, CLS advocates, and now works toward, linking community food production and school feeding programs.
CLS has modified the WANEP curriculum in ways that have strengthened both the peace education elements of the program as well as the educational process in general. For example, CLS has separated the stress management and trauma-healing training modules from other modules, giving these subjects greater emphasis. Significantly, the peacebuilding activities have been implemented within the framework of general educational objectives. Video and computer classes have been included to facilitate the reinforcement of literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Furthermore, since well-resourced school libraries are not common in Sierra Leone, CLS has worked to establish long-term partnerships with schools to help them build up their libraries.
