Upper East Regional Peace Council Empowers Teacher Trainees Against Violent Extremism
The Upper East Regional Peace Council held a sensitization program for St. John Bosco College of Education students to combat violent extremism and hate speech. Utilizing comic books as tools, the program educated students on resisting radicalization and promoting peaceful conflict resolution. Key officials emphasized the importance of community involvement in security efforts and the need for proactive measures against illicit arms and drug abuse.
The Upper East Regional Peace Council recently conducted a sensitization program for students at St. John Bosco College of Education in Navrongo, aiming to provide alternative counter-narratives to combat violent extremism and hate speech. Utilizing comic books as educational tools, the program equipped trainees with insights into how extremist groups exploit vulnerable individuals and encouraged them to promote peaceful, factual messages as proactive counter-narratives.
Throughout the event, students learned about the dangers of violent extremism and were empowered to resist radicalization. The training emphasized promoting peaceful conflict resolution and preventing the exploitation of students by extremist organizations. Participants were also encouraged to become advocates for peace within their academic environment, facilitating safe discussions around relevant issues to channel them into positive actions.
This initiative, part of the Atlantic Corridor project funded by Norway, Australia, Germany, and Denmark through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighted the important responsibility teacher trainees have in combating extremism and hate speech. Mr. Ali Anankpieng, Executive Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, stated, “The fight against violent extremism is not just for security agencies; it is a collective responsibility. As future teachers, you have a duty to guide and educate the younger generation against extremist ideologies.”
The program also featured key addresses from various officials, including Mr. Victor Abo-Ame Akanbonga from the Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, who urged students to report illicit arms possession as they contribute significantly to violence. Deputy Superintendent of Police Kingsley Kanda emphasized the importance of community vigilance, highlighting that security is a shared responsibility. He stated, “Early detection and reporting can help prevent attacks before they happen.”
Students were also cautioned against drug use by Mr. Seth Okang from the Narcotics Control Commission, who highlighted the severe legal consequences attached to drug offenses. Engineer Michael Atayire, the Student Affairs Officer, acknowledged the Peace Council’s initiative as beneficial for fostering peace and a conducive learning environment among the students.
The sensitization program organized by the Upper East Regional Peace Council plays a crucial role in equipping future educators with the necessary tools to combat violent extremism and promote peace within their communities. By engaging students in meaningful discussions and training, the initiative fosters a generation of responsible individuals committed to preventing radicalization and advocating for non-violence. It effectively underscores the collective responsibility necessitated by the challenges posed by extremist ideologies.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
