Contributions of Non-Formal Education in the Scout Movement to Peacebuilding: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study of Young People’s Experiences in Peace Education

Abstract

Peace education seeks to transform cultures of violence into cultures of peace by fostering values, knowledge, and skills for nonviolent living. However, research remains largely centred on formal education, often overlooking the role of non-formal education. This study addresses this gap by examining the World Scout Movement as a lived model of peace education. By taking interviews and reflective writing from 11 participants in Costa Rica, Colombia and Honduras, the research examines how Scouting contributes to the development of peace-related knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours. Seven interrelated themes shaping young people’s development in Scouting emerge: Personal Growth and Inner Peace, Leadership Development and Social Responsibility, Environmental Awareness, Global Awareness and Intercultural Competence, Interpersonal Skills Development, Understanding and Advocacy of Human Rights, and Political Awareness and Active Citizenship. The Scout Method’s experiential, participatory approach (“learning by doing”) clearly operationalizes peace education principles.

Relevance to Scouting

This research provides insights into how the Scout Method and non-formal education may support peacebuilding through everyday learning experiences. The findings may be useful to NSOs/NSAs, youth programme developers, volunteers, and other members when considering how peace education can be integrated into programme activities and how young people's development can be understood and documented. The study also offers perspectives relevant to human rights education, active citizenship and environmental responsibility.