FRS Project Title: The Role of Religion in Promoting Peace in the Community Stage 1: Problem Identification - *Statement of the Problem:* Conflicts arising from political, tribal, religious, or economic differences affect many communities worldwide. Despite its potential as a tool for peace, religion's role is often overlooked or misunderstood. - *Who is Affected:* Families, communities, churches, and youth. - *Where is the Problem Happening:* Urban and rural areas, particularly where religious or political divisions exist. - *Statement of Intent:* Explore how religion can promote peace and unity in communities and suggest ways to strengthen this role. - *Design Specifications:* - Collect views from religious leaders. - Incorporate Bible or religious quotes promoting peace. - Create posters and write-ups to present findings. - *Objectives:* 1. Understand how religion can resolve conflicts. 2. Educate others on peaceful living through faith. 3. Encourage religious tolerance and dialogue. Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas - *Previous Solutions Used:* 1. Interfaith dialogue meetings: encouraged mutual respect but faced participation challenges. 2. Church-organized peace marches: raised awareness but had temporary impact. 3. Youth workshops by religious groups: educated youth but were limited to specific areas. 4. Religious radio programs: reached wide audiences but were sometimes ignored or misinterpreted. Stage 3: Development of Selected Ideas - *Chosen Solution:* Combining interfaith dialogue and youth peace education programs. - *Why This Solution:* Youth are the future, and promoting unity across religious groups reduces misunderstandings. - *Materials Used:* - Bible and Quran references. - Paper, pens, and visual presentation materials. - Recorded interviews from church leaders. - *Steps Taken:* 1. Created peace messages based on religious texts. 2. Interviewed 2 pastors and 1 youth group leader. 3. Designed a community poster saying “Faith Unites, Hate Divides.” Stage 4: Presentation of Results - *How Results Were Presented:* - Poster and speech shared in class. - Role-played a conflict-resolution situation guided by religious values. - Used quotes like “Blessed are the peacemakers…” (Matthew 5:9). Stage 5: Evaluation and Recommendations - *Problems Faced:* - Limited access to leaders from all religions. - Some people were hesitant to discuss religious conflicts. - *Solutions:* - Focused on shared values across Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs. - Respected everyone's beliefs during research. - *Recommendations:* 1. Introduce peace clubs in schools with religious guidance. 2. Encourage joint religious gatherings promoting harmony. 3. Partner government and religious leaders to promote peace. Stage 6: Conclusion Religion plays a vital role in promoting peace when used correctly. This project highlights shared values like love, forgiveness, and unity found in all religions. Promoting these values helps reduce conflict and build stronger, more peaceful communities.