PIND facilitated the registration of peace clubs in the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (Akwa Poly), Federal College of Education- FCE (Technical), Asaba and Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri. The clubs were registered with the support of patrons and matrons who are lecturers in the institutions. The patrons and matrons were identified as vibrant staff members in their respective schools, and their passion for peacebuilding and the positive psycho-social development of young people made them a good fit to support PIND in the process. The patrons and matrons will guide the students on the operations of the peace club and ensure that they operate within the Institution’s regulations.
Over 200 students, in total, were inaugurated across the various institutions.
PIND-UNICAL Peace Club Inauguration.
During the opening of the PIND-UNICAL Peace Club, the PIND peacebuilding team explained that the peace club was set up to promote conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence in the university and its environs. The Matron of PIND Peace Club, Dr. Violet Eneyor, said the main aim of PIND Peace Club is to bring students together to ensure peace on campus, exhibit good character, and be honest wherever they find themselves in society.
Their capacities were built in volunteerism, cooperation, peacebuilding, and conflict management styles. They were also introduced to PIND’s IPDU SMS-based EWER system as a means of conflict reporting and steps to manage a peace club sustainably.
The PIND-UNICAL peace club was registered in the Institution, and the club promises to build on the success of the inauguration as the members showed the needed passion to contribute to improving peace and development in the school.
PIND-FCE(T) Asaba Peace Club Inauguration.
Likewise, the PIND-FCE(T) Asaba Peace Club inauguration was facilitated by the peace club matron, who worked hand-in-hand with the Peacebuilding Team of PIND Foundation. The event was held on Tuesday, 10 – Wednesday, 11, October 2023, and had in attendance representatives from the Institution, expert facilitators, and students who were inaugurated as members.
PIND-Akwa Poly Peace Club Inauguration.
In Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, the inauguration and capacity building of the PIND-Akwa Poly Peace Club members took place on the 13th -14th of October 2023 at the New TETFUND Auditorium Room 3. The event was attended by distinguished academic community members led by the Institution’s Rector and patron.
In his remarks, the Rector assured the club of the management’s support and urged the students to carry out the club’s activities with academic success and excellence in mind. He also thanked PIND’s management for choosing Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic as one of the pilot tertiary institutions in the Niger Delta to establish the Peace Club. The Dean of Students Affairs ushered in the new student executive members of the club and charged them to adhere to the aim and objectives of the club as enshrined in its constitution.
In his acceptance speech, the Pioneer President of the club promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by working harmoniously with other executives and members of the Peace Club to achieve the set objectives in line with the Peace Club’s constitution and governing rules and regulations of the Institution.
The capacity-building training, which was supported by members of the Partners for Peace Network in the Niger Delta (P4P), aimed to equip participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively promote peace, resolve conflicts, and advocate for unity within the academic community and its environment.
PIND- IMSU Peace Club Inauguration.
The PIND-IMSU Peace Club inauguration and capacity-building event occurred at the Faculty of Education Hall. The event was graced by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University and other notable participants, including the Chief Security Officer, representatives from the media, and students from various faculties within the university.
Outcomes and Way Forward
The successful inauguration of the peace clubs and the intensive capacity-building training brought together participants from various disciplines in the institutions. They demonstrated a heightened understanding of the significance of peace and conflict resolution within the academic community and the immediate environment. The training empowered them with practical tools and strategies to effectively identify conflict early warning signals, address conflicts, and promote unity through the various response mechanisms. Additionally, the members expressed a strong commitment to actively engage in community initiatives and outreach programs that promote peace and harmony.
The peace clubs are poised to organize regular community events, workshops, and outreach programs to disseminate peace and conflict resolution principles. By fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity, the club endeavors to create a lasting impact on the community, promoting a more harmonious and peaceful society for generations to come.
The successful inauguration of the peace clubs and the comprehensive two-day capacity-building training marked a significant milestone in the journey toward fostering peace and unity within the institutions and their environs.
volunteerism, cooperation, peace building, and conflict management styles. This is an awesome move!
Kudos, you’re doing well