Freetown, Sierra Leone - On September 21, representatives of civil society groups of Sierra Leone and UN agencies converged in different locations in Freetown to observe the International Day of Peace. UPF-Sierra Leone decided to organize a seminar for high school students. Before the seminar, we sent invitation letters to the principals of the schools using the UN theme for the day: “Youth for Peace and Development” offering presentations on topics such as Drug Prevention, Fostering a Culture of Peace through Service, and the Consequences of the Sexual Revolution. The seminar drew 16 students.
With the support of Hon. Haja Afsatu Kabba, the seminar received coverage from the media. The following day, the National Secretary General was interviewed by the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, a UN-supported project.
A teacher from United Muslim Secondary School participated in the seminar and expressed interest in creating peace zones in all the schools as well as higher learning institutions to train young people in peacebuilding.
Reflections
“On behalf of my school I want to say many thanks to the organizers of this program and pray that this presentation will achieve greater results for all humanity.” - Samuel Alieu, senior high school student
“Although the seminar was not for teachers, I came to help my student find the seminar place. But I have gained a lot from your presentations and I am grateful to God and my principal who asked to see the student of the place. Had it not been for him, I would not have benefitted from this precious knowledge.” - Mr. Samuel Manga, senior high school teacher
“I did not regret being part of this seminar even though I missed my class today. I think this seminar has helped me greatly to transform my concepts.... I will serve as a young Ambassador for Peace for my school." - Fatma Koroma, senior high school student