Peace Ambassadors schooled on Non-Violence Campaign

Violence in all forms has been a major concern for various stakeholders in Sierra Leone. The government, parents, school authorities and other concern citizens have been joined by the International Community to find a lasting solution to curtail violence which has hit on the fabrics of the nation. This is why the Anti-Violence Movement in collaboration with the United Nations Peace building in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) and the Centre for Coordination of Youth activities (CCYA) engaged students from twenty secondary schools in Freetown to serve as Ambassadors of Peace in their respective institutions.  (Photo: Bernard  Conteh Anti-Violence Movement Director)

Over two hundred representatives from the various secondary schools were assembled at the British Council Hall on Friday 1^st June 2012 in a one day peace and tolerance workshop. Participants were taught on peace and conflict resolution, and also youths and non violence towards the 2012 elections.

Addressing the gathering, Head of the National Youth Commission commended the fact that the Anti Violence Movement has succeeded in establishing Anti Violence Clubs in various secondary schools, and further added that it is good to bring various members together to map out strategies in ensuring a violence free society. Commissioner Anthony Koroma said as peace ambassadors, the students have the mandate to preach non-violence at community level. But unfortunately, he said most young people today are tagged as drivers of violence in society and they are also seen as very much unserious in their academic life. “It is time for school-going pupils to intervene in the non-violence campaign in order to change the negative perception. Your focus is building your capacity in education, you have the potential and opportunity to do so,” says the Youth Commissioner, he encouraged the Peace Ambassadors to copy good examples in society.

Giving an overview of the workshop, the UN’s appointed International Youth Peace Ambassador lauded the fact that the Anti-Violence Movement and United Nations have got a very fruitful relationship. Having realize that the country is bracing up for another democratic elections in November, Bernard Conteh said young people are prone to violence, and added that this is why his organization thought it fir to bring them to the limelight to engage their colleagues on non-violence issues. The participating schools, he said will soon be engaged in a quiz competition and football gala; whilst ghetto youths will be engaged in a non-violence forum. The AVMSL Director thanked the United Nations for coming to the aid of young people, with the aim of instilling non-violence strategies that will ensure peaceful elections.

Delivering the keynote address, Patrick Buse of UNIPSIL congratulated the participants for volunteering to become peace ambassadors in the country. This, he said will go a very long way, especially at a time like this when every Sierra Leonean is hoping for a free, fair and violence free elections. “This is your country and you have a great role to play in making it violence free,” he admonished participants. He reiterated the fact that no country with violence can prosper. “Peace should be at the centre of hope because Sierra Leone is a very beautiful country. We should treat non-violence issues with all seriousness,” Buse said. He promised the UN’s continuous collaboration with the Anti Violence Movement in the country.

Other speakers include: Mr. Sahid Conteh of the Physical Health Education Department in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Mrs. Conteh, Acting Vice Principal of Freetown Secondary School for Girls; ASP Ibrahim Samura, Director of Police Media; and Henry Alie of Centre for Coordination of Youth Activities.

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