GPF Uganda Observes International Day of Peace with Call for Unity, Commitment to Youth and Education

Eric Olsen
October 21, 2013

GPF Uganda Director Milton Kambula addresses participants in Western Uganda on the UN International Day of Peace.

GPF Uganda Director Mr.Milton Kambula boldly called for new approaches to peacebuilding in Uganda that emphasize shared values and human aspirations in a keynote address commemorating the 2013 International Day of Peace. Recalling one of the founding principles of GPF, Mr. Kambula said sustainable peace is “based on the realization that all people share one spiritual origin and heritage and belong to one family under God.”

Some 3000 people gathered in the Bunyoro-Rwenzori region of Western Uganda on September 21 for the event. The region has been plagued with ethnic, tribal and religious conflict in recent years.  The discovery of huge, commercially viable oil and gas deposits has caused tensions, while a sharp increase in population has led to severe land shortage among the more than 34 different tribes living in this region. HIV/AIDS, poverty and youth unemployment also contribute to conflict and instability.

GPF Uganda joined the Government of Uganda, Bunyoro Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom, regional NGOs, and religious and educational institutions to host the program on September 21, 2013,  on the theme “Education for Peace.”

In his address Mr. Kambula stressed the importance of relevant education and the need to enhance soft skills that better prepare young people for the work force. He encouraged schools to implement GPFs Character and Creativity Initiative (CCI) and peace education. CCI focuses on improving education curricula, fostering academic achievement, improving institutional culture, and connecting schools to the work place and the community.

“On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect.  Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity.” – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Uganda’s State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Min. Matiya Kashyejja, and Minister of the Bunyoro Region, Hon. Min. Kiiza Ernest, also addressed the event and discussed government programs on education, agriculture and health that can contribute to stability and economic development in Western Uganda.

Parents and community leaders participated in a week of activities organized by GPF Uganda.

In addition to the International Day of Peace program on September 21, 2013, parents and community leaders participated in a week of activities organized by GPF Uganda and partners to promote interfaith collaboration and social cohesion through greater engagement across religious and ethnic boundaries.

As part of GPF Uganda’s follow-up to the International Day of Peace, the Clean Cook Stove Project,  which prevents indoor air pollution in rural villages, will continue to expand in the region. The Project is expected to spread into villages in the districts of Kibaale and Nakasongola.

Global Peace Foundation Kenya also observed International Day of Peace with programs at the Aga-khan Academy and Embakasi Girls Secondary School in Nairobi.

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace by unanimous vote in 1981, in part, “to devote a specific time . . . to promoting the ideals of peace and to giving positive evidence of commitment to peace in all viable ways.”

GPF Uganda-sponsored programs in conjunction with 2013 International Day of Peace

Regional Symposium on Education and Peace A forum on GPF’s Character and Creativity Initiative with regional educational directors, faith-based leaders and other community development partners.

Soccer for Peace A sports contest engaging government leaders, farmers, teachers, faith leaders and NGO representatives. Regional leaders then signed a peace pact in which people from different fields committed to work together in solving key regional issues.

Peace and Education Awards Certificates awarded to students, athletes and leaders.

Trees of Peace Participating families plant trees of peace in commemoration of this year’s International Day of Peace and as a promise to protect the environment.
 

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