What is Peace?

What is Conflict?
In th is act ivi ty, the participants will define the
natures of peace and conflict and understand that these
can take many forms.

t i m e r e q u i r e d : 4 0 m i n u t e s | i NT E ND E D F O R G R A D E S 6 - 8
M at e r i a l s

» Newsprint and markers

Needed

» Sheets of blank paper, one for each participant

» Pens or pencils, one for each participant
» Copies of handout 1, “Six-Step Problem-Solving”

Activity Steps

1 Di s t r ib u t e a s h eet of blank paper and a pen or pencil to each participant. Ask

the participants to draw images and pictures of what comes to mind when they think of the
word “conflict.” Ask them to draw at least two or three images.

2 I n v it e t h e pa rt ic ipants to pair off to share and explain their drawings.

3
G at h e r t h e pa rtic ipants into a large group and brainstorm as many different words
or phrases that can be associated with the word “conflict.” Write the words and phrases on one
side of a sheet of newsprint, but do not discuss them yet.

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4 A s k t h e pa rt ic ipants to draw representations of the word “peace.” Again, ask them to
draw two or three images.

5 I n v it e t h e pa rt ic ipants to pair off again (with someone new) and share their
drawings.

6 G at h e r t h e pa rtic ipants into a large group and brainstorm as many different words
or phrases that can be associated with the word “peace.” Write the words and phrases on the
other side of the sheet of newsprint.

7 R e v i e w t h e r e s ults of the two brainstorming sessions and then initiate a large-group

discussion using the following questions:


» Which ideas surprised you? Which ones were new to you? Which ones don’t belong?
» What is the difference between “conflict” and “violence”?
» Is conflict always physical in nature?
»G  ive examples of types of conflicts other than physical ones (for example, verbal
disagreements, lawsuits, spreading nasty rumors, excluding people).

8 Di s t r ib u t e a c opy of han dout 1 and introduce the structured way of resolving

interpersonal conflict as noted on the handout.

9 Di v id e t h e pa rt ic ipants into groups of four or five. Invite the groups to create

role-play scenarios to demonstrate how conflicts can be resolved using the Six-Step Problem-
Solving approach. For example: 1. Someone in class starts a rumor about you, and now your
friends are not talking to you. 2. Everyone in your class has been invited to a party except for
the new student.

10 I n v it e t h e gr o ups to perform their role-plays.

11 C o n c l ude b y a sk in g the part i ci pants to join you in prayer. Pray for the end of
violence and conflict throughout the world. Pray for those parts of the world currently involved
in conflict. All government leaders will work toward peace and justice. Pray for peace within
families and communities. Pray for peace within all hearts.

(This activity is adapted from Susan Fountain, Education for Development: A Teacher’s Resource for
Global Learning; London, England: Hodder and Stoughton Publishing, 1995. © 1995 by Hodder and
Stoughton Publishing. All rights reserved. Used with permission.)

Copyright © 2010 by World Vision, Inc., Mail Stop 321, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716,
wvresources@worldvision.org. All rights reserved.

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Handout 1

Six-Step Problem-Solving
1 . I DENTI FY NEE D S

What do you need (or want)?

Each person in the conflict should answer this question without blaming or accusing the other
person or persons.

2 . DEFINE THE PROBLE M

What do you think is the problem here?

Come up with a response that includes the needs of both parties but does not blame. Others
in the group can help with this, but the persons involved in the conflict must agree to the
definition of the problem.

3 . BRAI NSTOR M LOTS OF SOLUT IONS

How might you solve this problem?

Come up with as many possible solutions as you can. Anyone in the group may offer a
response. These should be written down and received without comment, judgment, or
evaluation. The aim of this step is to come up with as many potential solutions as possible.

4 . EVALUATE THE SOLUT I ONS

Would you be happy with this solution?

Each party in the conflict goes through the list of possible solutions and says which ones would
or would not be acceptable.

5 . DECI D E ON THE BEST SOLUT ION

Do you both agree to this solution? Is the problem solved?

Both parties must agree and acknowledge their efforts in working out the solution.

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6 . CHECK TO SEE HOW THE SOLUT ION IS WORK ING

Let’s talk to each other again soon to make sure the problem is really solved.

A plan is made about how to evaluate the solution. The evaluation may take place in a few
minutes, an hour, or the next day or week, depending on the nature of the conflict and the age
of the persons involved.

Handout 1: Permission to reproduce is granted. © 2010 by World Vision, Inc.

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 About World Vision
W o r l d Vi si o n is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated
to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide
to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and
injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves
alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s
unconditional love for all people.

We envision a world where each child experiences “fullness of life”

as described in John 10:10. We know this can be achieved only by
addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way.
World Vision is unique in bringing nearly 60 years of experience in
three key areas to help children and families thrive: emergency relief,
long-term development, and advocacy. We bring our skills across many
areas of expertise to each community where we work, enabling us to
support children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

About World Vision Resources

E ndi n g g l o b a l poverty and injustice begins with education:
understanding the magnitude and causes of poverty, its impact on
human dignity, and our connection to those in need around the world.

World Vision Resources is the publishing ministry of World Vision.

World Vision Resources educates Christians about global poverty,
inspires them to respond, and equips them with innovative resources
to make a difference in the world.

For more information about our

resources, contact:
World Vision Resources
Mail Stop 321
P.O. Box 9716
Federal Way, WA 98063-9716
Fax: 253-815-3340
wvresources@worldvision.org

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