December 1, 2022 – This summer, WPDI continued the expansion of its Youth Peacemaker Network in the Karamoja Sub-Region of Uganda. The idea of this program is to create and develop a network of young activists trained and supported by WPDI so they can be empowered to foster peaceful and resilient communities in areas badly affected by violence and instability.
The training sessions took place over a 10-day period across 11 sub-counties of the region. In total, 197 youths participated, were able to pass the exam and graduate at the end of the program.
One participant, Lotyang Peter, 27, from Lokorwa village in the Kacheri sub-county, was delighted at being given the opportunity to take part: “I am happy that the WPDI project came to my community. When I heard of the opportunity for training in CRE I said to myself “What will I gain from it?” since my friends were discouraging me, telling me that I am too old, but then I said to myself I must attend this training till the last day. As I talk, this program has given me more energy to solve problems instead of avoiding them like I used to. I am a changed agent and through the knowledge gained in conflict resolution education my life has changed positively. Thanks so much to WPDI for supporting the young people of Karamoja.”
Another participant, Napeyok Gloria, 19, from Potongor Parish, Nakapelimoru Sub County, Kotido district, described how the training program can help her resolve personal conflicts: “I am proud of being part of the CRE training. Personally it has helped me so much, before when I was involved in conflict with my brother I could not get a proper way to handle the problem, but now after the CRE training the knowledge gained has enabled me to constructively solve the conflict with my brother. As I talk we are very happy as a family.”
The enthusiasm expressed here is a source of hope for us as the principal objective of WPDI’s global Youth Peacemaker Network is to create a domino effect of lasting peace. With each individual touched by our initiatives able to disseminate the skills and knowledge, we are convinced that the youth of Karamoja will have the tools to face any challenges when they arise and live in peace.
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