Peace education strategies in Zacatecas, Mexico: Towards a culture of peaceful coexistence

Abstract

This article examines and proposes educational strategies for establishing a culture of peace in Zacatecas, Mexico. The theoretical framework combines the principles of peace education and community development approaches, and the analysis of the socio-cultural context and the specific challenges faced by the region in terms of violence, inequality, and lack of social cohesion is based on this framework. Subsequently, the article delineates the pedagogical techniques employed, including participatory workshops in diverse sectors, awareness campaigns, peace circles, and initiatives undertaken by academic and governmental institutions. The methodology used was exploratory to study the phenomenon of peace and descriptive to detail the characteristics of the processes of the initiatives implemented. A qualitative approach was employed to gain a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon under study, contextualized within its social and cultural milieu. Data were collected through focus groups and participant observation. The findings indicate that these strategies facilitate conflict resolution, encourage intercultural dialogue, and reinforce the sense of belonging to the community. The article concludes by underscoring the value of multisectoral collaboration and the necessity for public policies that foster the sustainability of peace education initiatives in Zacatecas.