There is no doubt that the entire world is in dire need of peace.
There are conflicts within every community, that if not resolved will add to the
existing violence the world is currently witnessing. Almost everyone is fed-up
with violence or crisis and is now seeking for a way forward. For this
reason, several peace groups are coming up with a unique approach to the looming
crisis, but in most cases their efforts do not go beyond round table discussions.
For peace or peacebuilding to be effective, practical steps
need to be taken. Kent Computer Institute, a missionary arm of Christian Faith
Ministries, which was established to bring people together (most especially youths from various
religious and cultural backgrounds), in order to promote peace and coexistence
in crisis-affected areas, is doing a commendable job in this aspect. Kent Computer
Training Centers (now in six regions) are a practical step towards peacebuilding and are yielding tremendous results. Muslim and Christian youths sit together to learn and share ideas, something that was seen as impossible a few years ago. While learning computer
skills, peacebuilding/conflict resolution modules have been introduced to strengthen
the philosophy or idea behind the establishment of these computer training
centers.
In each computer training centre, students are given the opportunity to test their peace-building skills or knowledge. At the center at CFM's Permanent Site (Du), seven groups of students were asked to look within
their family circles or communities for any unresolved issues so they
could act as peace ambassadors. One of the groups, which comprises six people
led by a female student know as Erica Noro, decided to use an abandoned clinic at
Kazong Madu as their specimen. According to the group’s research, ever since the
clinic was built in 2014 by the former councilor representing Du, ward ‘A’ and
Shen, it wasn’t put to use, or even commissioned, due to a misunderstanding between
the two surrounding communities involved. Each side claimed ownership, which led
to the closure of the health center that was well equipped with drugs and other
hospital equipment.
In an attempt to resolve or mediate between the two communities
(Kanzong Madu and Shen), the groups efforts included interviews with two
elderly persons from both sides of the communities involved. In their research, they
found out that the dispute is a carryover of a long-disputed land issue, from more than
fifty years back.
Notwithstanding, the group saw the urgent need for the clinic
to be reopened and therefore proposed for a community forum meeting between the
people of Kazong and Shen. And in the community forum meeting, everyone, most
especially political leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders and traditional
leaders, are to be present. And this must be done as soon as possible, to resolve the long-standing
disagreement.
Next to that, if the issue is resolved, hopefully, health
workers and other staff should be drawn from the two communities without prejudice.
This will also encourage interpersonal relationships between the two
communities.
These are practical steps from Kent Computer Students towards
peacebuilding. It is highly impressive to see youths making intelligent efforts
to bring peace to our communities. What will happen if more youths are given
this orientation or knowledge. These are
leaders of tomorrow. If they are wired with peace mentality today, our
communities will witness less violence and become more economically stable.
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