News
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Pakistani, Indian youngsters in peace programme
WASHINGTON: Seeds of Peace, a New York-based group that brings together youngsters from countries in conflict with one other, said on Monday that it had completed a “one of a kind” week-long programme in Lahore aimed at empowering young people, known as “Seeds”, with the skills to resolve conflict. The programme brought 18 Indian youngsters from Mumbai to Lahore for a series of workshops, meetings, dialogue sessions and community outreach efforts to promote reconciliation in the subcontinent. In total, 43 “Seeds“ participated in the programme, funded by the US Department of State. These youngsters and others from various parts of the world had earlier completed the Seeds of Peace International Camp programme in Maine between 2004 and 2007. After returning to their home countries, they frequently participate in programmes on the ground aimed at furthering their education and training as peacemakers and leaders. According to Seeds of Peace, “For these young leaders, this was their first opportunity to collaborate face-to-face on peace issues in nearly two years. In 2007, Seeds of Peace was unable to complete the programme due to intense political unrest in the region, including the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto. Programme activities included professionally facilitated dialogue sessions focused on key issues in the India-Pakistan relationship, such as security, economic cooperation, political unrest, and the ongoing Kashmir conflict. The Indian and Pakistani “Seeds” also took gave presentations to nearly 400 high school students about Seeds of Peace and the critical role of young people in resolving seemingly unending conflict. In addition, they participated in cultural, sporting and religious activities that allowed each side to gain a richer and more tolerant understanding of supposed historic enemies. khalid hasan
Courtesy Daily Times