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Student Peace Initiative Clubs Launched in Sierra Leone
Written by John D.S. Samura, Secretary General, UPF-Sierra Leone
Monday, December 20, 2010
Freetown, Sierra Leone - UPF-Sierra Leone launched Student Peace Initiative in nine leading secondary schools in the capital on December 11. The theme is “Developing Students to Realize Their Potential Through Character Education Series.”
The ceremony was held at the UPF office in Freetown. This program drew the attention of the public, media, and NGOs. The decision came because of a national call by the President of Sierra Leone, H.E Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, for international NGOs, NGOs, and other partners in development to support his vision for attitudinal and behavioral change. We as a chapter decided to add our support to His Excellency’s time vision for peace and development.
Sixteen students attended the program from St. Eward Secondary School, UMASS, Albert Academy, the Methodist Girls High School, the Methodist Boys High School, the Government Model School, the Wesleyan School, the Government Technical School, and the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress.
The emir of the Ahmaddiyya Mission of Sierra Leone and Guinea, Mr. Saeed Ur Rahma, served as Master of Ceremonies. Other dignitaries attending the assembly included Hon. Haja Afsatu Kabba, president of the Peace Council, and Ms. Alice Marian Kamara. The keynote speaker was the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Lansana Nyalley.
Before the certification and award ceremony, students received training in various topics of the character education series, including Ethics of True Love and Sexuality, Fostering a Culture of Peace through Service, Drug Abuse Prevention, and Developing Heart and Character. The training took place at the Pikin-To-Pikin Movement office December 10 and 11.
The Universal Peace Federation is becoming known for its programs especially with the new educational materials that have been introduced in nine schools. The Universal Peace Federation has gained attention from government departments and schools for the formation of peace clubs in various institutions.
The launch had full coverage from the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, and three journalists were awarded certificates for their support for UPF’s vision of peace. The national Secretary General had an interview with the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation the day after the workshop, and we received several calls from parents, guardians, schools principals, and the public offering to partner with UPF to promote sustainable peace and development in Sierra Leone.
Student responses:
"Today is a new day in my life. I am fed with new ideas and I hope my friends, relatives and neighbors would benefit from this workshop. I pledge sincerely that I will do my best to manifest what I have learned from this character education workshop. I want to thank the organizers for inviting me through my school. I promised you to become model in my school and at home." - G.T.S. School, Freetown
"As a student from the Methodist Girls High School, I thank God for using the founder of this organization for creating such a wonderful learning materials for young people. This workshop is very educational. I sincerely hope that this workshop will benefit our parents, teachers, community leaders, and state actors in Sierra Leone shaping the lives of children for the future." - Methodist Girls High School
For a report in Sierra Express Media about the event, click here.
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