#National News

YMCA trains youth on peace building 

May 29, 2023, 12:12 PM | Article By: Jankey Ceesay

Young Men Christian Association on Wednesday wrapped up a two-day training for 30 advocate groups on peace building.

The training seeks to expose participants to key messages and how they can contribute through what they have learnt in building peace across the globe.

Speaking to the press, Elsie Makoli, Program Officer at YMCA, revealed that the training was part of their advocacy project dubbed: “The Work for Peace” to empower young people.

“In the project, we deal with vulnerable young people like the returnees so as to empower and help them reintegrate in their respective communities.”

She indicated that they have decided to involve young people as peacemakers and to train them to be peace advocates and to be able to prevent any potential conflict that can hinder their peace and that of the country.

Ndey Awa Mbaye widely referred to as Awa Bling, a rising hip-hop artist and a participant, expressed delight to be part of the training.

The training, she added, had exposed her to different ways relating to conflict resolution to promote and maintain peace.

She assured that she would use the knowledge gained and educate and preach peace on stage to her growing fans.

She called on organisers and partner organisations to amplify their advocacy by training more youth on the issue.

Samba Jallow, another participant, expressed delight to be part of the training, promising to disseminate key messages among his colleagues.