Children as agents of peace

By Jacqui Corcoran, World Vision Ireland Communications & PR Manager

For more than four decades many parts of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines have experienced conflicts, intercommunity violence and war. Over 100,000 people are in protracted displacement in Mindanao because of conflict and violence, particularly in the recently formed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Understandably, the continued lack of peace, has been negatively impacting child well-being in the area. 

World Vison has been responding to the crisis with an urban programme in Marawi and Cotabato cities delivering a multipronged approach to address child well-being. With support from the European Union, we are now increasing our efforts to strengthen social cohesion and cultivate a culture of peace in the region. This week, World Vision Ireland, in partnership with World Vision Development Foundation in the Philippines, launched a new project Promoting Efforts Addressing Conflict through Education in Mindanao (PEACE Mindanao), which recognises the active role children can play as agents of peace. 

Building on World Vision’s highly successful Empowering Children as Peacebuilders (ECaP) project model, the project, aims to contribute to building peaceful and cohesive communities in Marawi and Cotabato cities. Working closely with Government Ministries and other stakeholders, the project will set about increasing children’s capacity and confidence as peace ambassadors

Recognising that children and young people are central to the achievement of a peaceful society, the project will see the establishment of peace clubs in 14 schools and surrounding communities. Using cultural activities, children and young people will be supported to carry out peace and advocacy campaigns in their communities.

Working towards sustainable peace in the region, the project will support government efforts and capacity building of local structures to prevent conflicts and build peace.