Single Events

In commemoration of World Day of Peace, FAWOI teamed up with Bochum Samuel Bache, a peace ambassador and the founder of Youth Advocate for Peace and Community Empowerment (YAPCEC), and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Civic Engagement (MINJEC).

The event brought the youth of Buea together to mark this important occasion under the theme “Cultivating the Culture of Peace”. The event featured discussions, group dynamics, and games designed to explore creative and innovative pathways to foster peace within the community.

The North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon have experienced violence and insecurity over the past eight years resulting from conflict that has robbed the communities of peace. These activities were enacted to enable participants reflect and act out the pathways to achieving cohesion and peace in a conflict context or wherever such absence of peace may arise.

The activities, discussions, and games at the event focused on responsible initiatives that foster peace at home, in the workplace, in schools, and within the larger community. They also highlighted the essential traits of peacebuilders and leaders—being serviceable, flexible, patient, visionary, humble, punctual, diligent, and good listeners. Participants were reminded that peace is a product of the mind and of self; for peace to ensue, it must first begin from within.

Seasoned professionals with peace plants in their hands shared what peace meant to them during their presentations and talks. The audience responded with insights such as “Peace starts with a smile,” “Peace is compromise and understanding,” “Since violence comes from the mind, building the minds of people will foster peace,” “Peace is truth told with charity,” and “Punctuality is also a mode of peace.” These responses highlighted the varied perspectives on peace that participants had in mind.

As the games began, it became clear why conflicts arise between individuals and how best to address peace by understanding and listening to diverse views, especially in conflict contexts where each person perceives threats differently and may react differently. This called for patience and an open mind.

The event was a powerful reminder that peace begins from within and can be cultivated through understanding, patience, and active listening. It showcased the importance of fostering peace at all levels of society and provided the youth of Buea with innovative strategies to build a more peaceful community.