"Since wars begin in the minds of men and women, it is in the minds of men and women that the defenses of peace must be constructed"

From 20 to 23 September 2021, UNESCO IICBA in collaboration with the African Union Youth for Peace (AU-Y4P) department and Arigatou International have organized a 4-day training of trainers for young leaders from 11 African countries namely (Ethiopia, Kenya, Gambia, South Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi) with the objectives of strengthening the capacity of young leaders in Africa to contribute to the consolidation of peace; empower young people for the prevention of violence; and promote a culture of peace, mutual understanding and respect among peoples.

This training had an honor to receive HE. Ito Takako Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia and more than 30 participants from AU Y4P department, Arigatou international, Universities, youth organizations as well as IICBA colleagues.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Yumiko Yokozeki, Director of UNESCO IICBA, reminded the participants that peace is one of the African Union’s priorities as emphasized in the Aspiration 4 of AU Agenda 2063, that a culture of peace and tolerance shall be natured in Africa’s children and young people through education. She acknowledged the critical role that youth have played in addressing peace and security on the continent and stressed the need to encourage and empower them with the necessary competencies to become agents of peace in their communities. “Youth is the Africa’s richest resource. With their engagement, we can build a more peaceful and prosperous future.”

Dr. Yumiko introduced the training manual developed by IICBA in collaboration with the AU through the Y4P program to enhance youth capacities in peacebuilding and preventing violence. This project is expected to enhance African member states' capacities to use education to prevent violent extremism and its resurgence amid the COVID-19 pandemic, aligned with the spirit of TICAD 7 and NAPSA. She expressed gratitude to the Japanese embassy to Ethiopia and the government of Japan for funding this project.

Dr. Remember Miamingi, Child Protection Adviser, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, delivered the speech on behalf of Dr.Rhuks Ako Training and Capacity Development Focal Point for PAPS at AU Y4P echoing the essential role that young people play to promote peace and security on the continent, then he underlined the importance of this training to contribute to the achievement of the continental goals in the field of Youth, Peace and Security in Africa.

During the 4 days of training, interactive and rich discussions took place in groups and in plenary. Participants were trained in the context of peacebuilding education, transformative pedagogy, planning and implementing programs and monitoring their progress.

the workshop created an opportunity for youth, to:

1.       Critically reflect on the role of young people in building peace and prevention of violence through education;

2.       Discuss on transformative pedagogy in strengthening critical understandings and skills, and collaborative actions among youth to foster peace building;

3.       Share their experiences and as well as good practices on youth empowerment and mobilization.

4.       Enhance their capacities to develop educational programs to promote dialogue, mutual understanding and respect in their communities; and

5.       Finally, youth at their country level plan on how to mobilize youth and cascade the training.

UNESCO’s work in peacebuilding, resilience and prevention of violent extremism, through education in Africa, is guided by the Agenda 2063, CESA 2016 to 2025 as well as the Education 2030 Agenda.

Below are links to 4 sessions of the training:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF-_VYEI1T0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L05bKttG8UQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFKMER3r5J8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EG1SEkAhyw