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In Timor-Leste, a popular local band calls for peace to be upheld
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By Teresa Lee – Program Assistant, World Vision Timor-Leste
Hundreds of youth gathered together to commemorate the International Day of Peace on 21st September at a lively event facilitated by World Vision in Dili.
Members from the 3 youth peace clubs of a World Vision peace building project helped to organise the activities of the day, in Dili’s Peace Park, including locally renowned bands, drama, and messages of peace.
The young people delivered powerful, collaborative statements calling on key leaders and governing bodies to take responsibility in upholding peace in Timor-Leste. “We urge the President to continue promoting peace and denouncing violence” quoted a youth peace club member. “We call on the Government to improve the justice system and to invest in the education of youth. We ask all political parties to work together with the new government in developing this nation, whose liberty we have all struggled and fought for.”
Prior to the Day of Peace, youth representatives from various backgrounds were involved in putting together the statements of peace, including members of martial arts groups, peace clubs, IDP camps and youth groups within Dili. Individual statements were directed towards the National Parliament, Government, President, United Nations, Political Parties, Church and religious institutions, National Youth Council and civil society. As part of the day’s event, the statements of peace were formally signed by youth representatives before being sent to the respective addressees.
“The event was a great success due to the involvement of the 300 youth peace club members and the co-ordination with other NGOs”, said Augusto Soares, Better Futures Sector Manager of WVTL. “It was very important for us to commemorate the Day of Peace, because it is an opportunity to remind everyone on the value of peace and to encourage people in Timor-Leste to restore and maintain peace in our society”.
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