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Fifty two students and youths from different schools from the Niger Delta who are members of peace clubs in their various schools participated in this year’s peace camp.

This is line with KAS mandate to protect peace through conflict management and prevention. As it is known, the Niger Delta was the home of militants who were fighting against government forces, because they wished to have control over their resources, especially oil.

Since the agitation started, many youths see the agitation as a means to make quick money, even if it means they can lose their lives easily. They see armed struggle as the only means of livelihood. Cases of armed conflicts, kidnapping, robbery e.t.c. became rampant, and different people were worried for the future of the young Niger Deltans. As a result of this, KAS and CHDST come together to bring the message of peace to the youths by organizing peace camps, where they learn about the fundamentals of conflict prevention and management.

Topics such as leadership qualities and youth development, communications skills, building self-esteem, living morally upright and peace and conflict management were some of the topics of the training at the camp, under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Polycarp Henetu. Some of the resource persons at the training include Prof Vincent Asuru, Director Academic planning Ignatius Ajuru University; Comrade O. J. Chinwo, National President Mirror Production Network; Dr. Austin A. Sado, lecturer Department of Linguistics and Communication, University of Port Harcourt; Mrs. Brenda Ogoli, Project Manager Stakeholders Democracy Network; Prince Uwaifo Oviawe, CEO Uwalife Project / Press Officer Moon light Newspapers; Mr. Naphtali Zebede , Director Teenagers Outreach; Chief Amadi Godwin, Director Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution; and Mrs. Ineba Bob-Manuel Regional Manager, Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), DFID / British Council.

The participants use their new knowledge and capabilities for the work in the peace clubs at their respective schools and contribute to a different attitude towards violence. That helps to limit der number of youth who would see a “golden future” in criminal activities and strengthens the society in their efforts for a peaceful environment.