A three-day ‘Young Peacemakers Training’ programme was organized by the North East India Region of YMCAs in collaboration with Y’s Men International and the National Council of YMCAs of India at Livingstone Foundation International (LFI) from October 29 to 31 under the theme of ‘Conflict and Peace Culture’.
The training programme was hosted by YMCA Nagaland under the stewardship of its president, Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, who is also the vice president of the North Eastern Region of YMCA.
The main resource person for the three day event was Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto, director of Peace Channel, Nagaland and principal North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research, Dimapur. The programme was attended by around 60 young participants representing different tribes and communities from across Dimapur and adjoining areas.
The inaugural function was graced by editor-in-chief and proprietor Nagaland Post, Geoffrey Yaden who is also the convener of YMCA Nagaland, as the special guest.
The training mainly focused on the issues of conflict and peace culture wherein the resource person, Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto walked the participants through a series of sessions on understanding the concepts of peace- making, gender and cycle of socialization, conflict and resolution. A separate session on introduction to Young Peacemakers Programme (YPP) was earlier taken up by secretary, SHD, ICPS, resource mobilization of the national council of YMCAs of India, Udipta Fullonton in which he introduced the idea behind the initiation of YPP in India.
On the final day of the training, peace promotion proposals were handed to the participants and the regional secretary YMCA NER, Shamir Thabah highlighted the proposal structure for adoption by the participants and also to base their performance and selection. It is noteworthy that the four best proposals will be selected and supported by the National Council of YMCAs.
According to the organizers, selected participants will have the opportunity to attend the national level YPP to be held at Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu from January 27-29.
The three day event was also attended by a host of dignitaries YMCA Nagaland women wing vice president and director LFI Ani Yepthomi; PRO YMCA Nagaland David Khobung, principal Eastern Bible College Rev. Dr. T.N. Lotha Jr and YMCA Nagaland vice president Aochuba Yaden.