Solution Focused Education: A New Model of Educating for Peace and Development in Africa

Abstract

Today, Africa is experiencing many challenges: from civil wars to genocide, from economic meltdown to questionable political leadership. I believe that the appropriate step to take is a critical assessment of the situation. In this article, I am advocating an educational system that favors actions much beyond just theories. This kind of education should expose students or learners to charismatic figures who have distinguished themselves and are able to inspire young generations through their values, ideals, and moral standards. In addition and in order to heal the continent from the challenges mentioned above, we need an educational system that emphasizes peace-building strategies. To achieve this, we should borrow from our own cultures and traditions. Thus, we need an educational system that empowers students to act, a “solution-focused education” that builds on a “student-centered approach” and allows students to express themselves: their thinking as well as their feelings.