Strategies for Promoting and Maintaining Peace in Communities as Perceived by Guidance Counsellors

ABSTRACT: This study determines the Strategies for promoting and maintaining peace in communities as perceived by Guidance Counsellors in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design method. One research question guided the study. The sample size for the study is 150 guidance counsellors selected through simple random sampling technique with replacement. Questionnaire on Counsellors perceived strategies for promoting and maintaining peace in communities is used for data collection (QOCPSFPAMPICS). The reliability co-efficient value of the instrument of 0.80 is established through the use of Split half method of estimation. On the sport method of administration of the instrument on the respondents is used by the researchers for the study to ensure a hundred percent return of the questionnaire. Arithmetic weighted mean which criterion is 2.50 for any item considered as a factor while an item that is below this value is considered not being a factor is used for the data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that use of peace building committees, having equal representations in things of collective interests, working with schools towards reducing deviant behaviours among students, setting measures for preventing gang groups within communities, launching of peace campaigns, use of peace gatherings, setting clear and measurable objectives, preaching peace through Education, having fair and just policies, listening to the voices of people. The study also revealed that use of force and strength is not an acceptable strategy for promoting and maintaining peace within communities. Among other things, the researchers recommended that there will be formation of peace committee whose members should be made to tour into other counties to learn more about peace building. Also, Government should recognize the peace committee members as peace representatives and be paying them salaries for encouragement