November 2, 2022 – In 2022, WPDI ran a successful peace education training program across 32 schools in the 9 districts of the Acholi Sub-Region in northern Uganda. Contributing to our overarching objective to disseminate a culture of peace in post-conflict areas, the aim of the program was to build and strengthen the students’ understanding, skills and knowledge in peacebuilding approaches in order to transform them into active peacemakers in their communities.
The program lasted for three months, with weekly one-hour classes gathering 40 to 45 students aged between 10 and 17 taking. The sessions included both theory and practical sessions, with participants learning about the different ways conflicts can be resolved in class, at home and in the wider community. Creating an atmosphere that lends itself to education and self emancipation is vital for creating peace in underprivileged communities now and in the future. “I am happy, motivated and l gained new knowledge & understanding in peer mediation that l will use to make my school very peaceful…conducive for high academic performance,” said John, a student who participated in the course.
At the end of the program, all participants were awarded a certificate, proof of their journey to becoming agents of peace, bringing hope and calmness to their communities that have long suffered from violence and instability.
WPDI’s actions in northern Uganda are not limited to Conflict Resolution and Peace Education in schools. We run advocacy campaigns for different communities in the region, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment and business initiatives. UNHCR representative in charge of energy, the environment and livelihoods, Peter Adori, said “when you move in the settlement and host community, WPDI is everywhere. The work WPDI has implemented in both the settlement and host community is visible all over the place. WPDI should continue exhibiting such examples and more support is still needed to support these vulnerable groups.”
In partnership with
