Malawi Commemorates World Peace Day
For the first time in history, Malawi on Monday took part in commemorating the International Day of Peace which falls on September 21 every year.
Activities to commemorate the day, which were organized by Young Achievers for Development (YAD) in collaboration with African Network for Prevention and Protection of Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) and the Malawi Police Services took place at Chitawila Primary School grounds in Blantyre.
Speaking during the event, YAD President Jefferson Milanzie called on the youth to be ambassadors of peace in the country.
He said they believe in the power of the young generation and that if properly guided, the youth have the potential of bringing positive changes in their homes, communities and the country as a whole.
“Young people have been used to incite violence by some unprincipled individuals but we want to make them ambassadors of peace so that when such individuals approach them they will be able to resist or even civic educate them on the importance of peace, ” said Milanzie
Marie Vauban, Program Manager for ANPPCAN Malawi Chapter said even though there is no war in Malawi, there is need to continue advocating for peace so that the trend continues.
“Peace is not anymore a global issue, it is not just between countries, it has to start by oneself as individual. We thought it wise to engage young people this time around because the future lies in their hands.
“They need to maintain peace by indulging in good behaviour so that they become good leaders in the future,” said Vauban.
Inspector Danie Sangwa, Community Policing Coordinator for Soche Police said as police, they have an obligation to make sure the citizenry live in a peaceful environment.
He however said to achieve this, all individuals need to take part in advocating for peace.
“As police we cannot do this alone, we need stakeholders’ involvement and together we can make Malawi a better place to live in,” said Sangwa.
International Peace Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001, establishing September 21as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.
