On November 2, 2024, a group of 22 students proudly
completed a transformative 3-day workshop on the Alternative to Violence
Program (AVP), organized by the Center for Research and Action towards
Sustainable Peace and Development (CRASPD) in collaboration with the Japanese
Mission Support Group (JMSG). This workshop marked a significant milestone in equipping
these students with essential conflict resolution skills that can lead to positive change
in their communities.
Over the workshop of three days, from October 31
to November 2, participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included:
Affirmation: Recognizing the inherent worth of oneself and others.
Communication: Developing effective and empathetic communication skills.
Cooperation: Fostering teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.
Concepts of Violence and Non Violence: Understanding the root causes of
conflict and the importance of non-violent responses.
Problem Solving: Equipping students with tools to address and resolve conflicts
constructively.
Transforming Power: Learning how to channel personal and collective
power for positive change.
In addition to these vital topics, participants
shared personal experiences and strategies for navigating conflicts within
their own communities. This sharing of stories fostered a sense of connection
and mutual learning among the group.
Participants sharing life stories and personal experiences during the workshop
A Legacy of Change
The introduction of the AVP in our university 11
years ago has had a lasting impact on the youth in the region. Since then,
hundreds of students and NGOs staff have benefitted from the program, gaining
skills that empower them to address violence and promote peace. Alumni of the
AVP have gone on to become influential advocates for social change, using their
training to transform their societies.
As we celebrate the success of this recent
workshop, we look forward to seeing how these new skills will further enrich
our community and contribute to a culture of non-violence and cooperation. The
commitment of organizations like CRASPD and JMSG ensures that the principles of
AVP will continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Building strong and healthy relationship among participants, is one of the purposes of AVP
We express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed facilitators (who are also our AVP alumni), Miss Linda Balola Sylvine, Miss Grace Nyampinga, Mr. Hussein Bukuru and Mr. Ngenzi Mukunzi, for their invaluable contributions in making this workshop a success. Through their generosity in sharing their knowledge, expertise, and insights, they have greatly enriched the learning experience for all participants.
Team of Facilitators (Miss Grace, Mr. Ngenzi, Miss Linda & Mr. Hussein)
The Alternative to Violence Program remains a powerful tool for personal and community transformation. We are grateful to all the participants, facilitators, and organizers for their dedication to fostering peace and resilience. Together, we can create a brighter, more harmonious future. We are looking forward to having Advanced workshop as well as the Training of Facilitators very soon.
#WeArePUR
Editor: Muvunyi Serge
