Alicia Cabezudo

• International Peace Bureau

As any Latin American country, Argentina has a strong gap within social classes which is evident from the economic, social and educational perspective. This leads to the existence of huge groups of poor populations and a small streap of rich and powerful not only from the economic point of view but also in relation to access to politics and rights. This gap increases the differences and creates anger, distrust and disappointment amongst the society and towards government and public policies, even those developed by democratic authorities. When working on Peace Education, the issues related to social differences, inequality, injustice and the lack of access to education and social benefits are present in all educational levels starting from primary school education to postgraduate studies. There is a need to tackle these issues while planning curriculum design and developing activities, and during "on-field projects" where students have the opportunity to observe, reflect and practise concrete problems and needs that are part of their daily life by following the theory of Paulo Freire.

I started working in peace education when I was very young, at 18 years old. When ending my studies to be a primary school teacher, I was appointed to a poor working-class school in a neighborhood that I didn't even know existed. The first contact with those children in first grade and learning about their needs, dreams and hopes opened my mind and heart to new horizons and fueled my wishes to struggle the rest of my life for a better world for all in which education is a fundamental tool.  After 50 years here I am!  - still enjoying the best job on the planet - HURRA WORLD PEACE EDUCATORS!!!!!

When I realized that after so many years teaching peace education, my alumni and former students have chosen similar paths: they work in human rights organizations, defend ethical principles, try to start honest careers as democratic politicians in complex environments and  are committed and trustworthy persons. Whenever they meet me they say, "Hello dear Teacher - Thanks for ALL I learned with YOU."  That is THE BEST!