Micro-communities pedagogical strategy as an educational option to shape peacebuilding agents

Abstract

This reflective paper discusses how the micro-community strategy, including families, scouts and ecclesial communities, becomes relevant for shaping peacebuilding agents. The paper draws upon a historical-hermeneutic research paradigm with a qualitative methodology and a documentary strategy. The findings show that the family micro-community helps develop individuals by teaching them ways to solve conflicts and assigning them roles. The education and training provided by the scouts, relying on constructivism, teamwork and the distribution of responsibilities, produce supportive individuals. In the case of lay communities, it can be seen that these micro-communities contribute to ethical judgement, the adoption of healthy customs, and in relation to character formation, through tough love, they produce autonomous and responsible individuals. In conclusion, micro-communities help educate for peace and conflict resolution, since they allow individuals to be proactive and forward-thinking change agents that promote the mutual wellbeing of their members.

Keywords

• micro-communities
• pedagogical strategy
• family
• peace
• education
• conflict