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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has called on Sierra Leonean policymakers and educators to integrate lessons from the country’s violent past into the national curriculum, warning that ignoring history risks repeating it.
Dr. Yoshie Kaga, representing the UN cultural agency, delivered the remarks during a side event at the Salone Civic Festival on December 13. Speaking to an audience of government officials, teachers, and youth leaders, Kaga emphasized that confronting historical trauma is essential for long-term national development.
“The past lives with us,” Dr. Kaga told participants. “Not to haunt us, but to teach us.”
Education as a Tool for Peace Drawing on the UNESCO 2023 Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development, Dr. Kaga argued that education is the most effective tool for healing societal divisions. She stressed that a clear understanding of history provides the foundation for accountability and shared responsibility.
The address placed a particular focus on the country’s youth. Dr. Kaga noted that young people are central to building a peaceful future, but they must be equipped with an honest understanding of what came before them to do so effectively.
New Resources for Teachers To support this effort, UNESCO announced the launch of a new global online course designed specifically for teachers and civic educators.
The course offers practical tools, methodologies, and case studies on how to teach about violent pasts without deepening divisions. Dr. Kaga urged Sierra Leonean schools to take advantage of these resources immediately to strengthen their peacebuilding curriculums.
The call to action comes as Sierra Leone continues its efforts to strengthen civic engagement and national cohesion through events like the Salone Civic Festival.
