Global Peace Youth continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders through reaching out to higher learning institutions. On 13th July 2015, the Peace Ambassadors Kenya – Mount Kenya University (MKU) Chapter hosted the Global Peace Youth team for a meeting to discuss possible partnership in implementing peace activities and leadership education in the University.
Peace Ambassadors Kenya is a nationwide youth peace initiative whose members are drawn from learning institutions (universities, colleges, polytechnics, secondary and primary schools) and the general youth population. It implements peace building and conflict management activities across all sectors in Kenya.
During the meeting, the members shared their experiences holding dialogue forums with youth in areas that are affected by conflict highlighting the need to have young people taking ownership to drive the change they want to see in the society. “When I joined Peace Ambassadors Kenya, I did it because I am a peacemaker and know that a country cannot function without peace. I did not know it would expose me to so many opportunities to change my country into a better place by simply engaging the community through dialogue and community service.” reiterated Fiona Muthoni, the secretary to the Peace Ambassadors Club-MKU Chapter.
The students emphasized the need for capacity building on how to conduct reconciliation through dialogue from institutions like Global Peace Youth and having guidance on how best to communicate and engage the community especially in regard to conflict resolution.
Mr. Arthur Oyange, Director Global Peace Youth shared the core values that Global Peace Foundation stands for and educated them on what it takes to be a good leader in the society. “As a young person who is engaged in peace building activities, it is important to embrace the values of Teamwork, Ownership, Dreaming Big and most of all Living for the greater good. If you apply the teachings I have shared in this forum in your day to day activities, you will definitely have an impact on the people you interact with” he said.
Mr. Timothy, the Club Chairperson concluded by saying, “having Global Peace Youth here today to offer mentorship to us is a blessing since we cannot give what we don‟t have. I am grateful for the fundamental values and lessons that we have learnt here today and hope that we can have more sessions and activities with this team.”
As a way forward the club members and the patron, Ms. Serah Kimaru agreed to have future collaborations with Global Peace Youth after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the school administration and Global Peace Foundation. Presently the club agreed to fully participate in the commemoration of International Day of Peace by organizing for a peace symposium in the university.