Zimbabwe: International day of peace: IDP
On the 21st of September, we celebrated the International Day of Peace (IDP) to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Every year, we introduce a theme to our clubs under which they can celebrate this wonderful day. For the 2018 edition, we chose ACT! which means Artists Create Together! In pairs, our clubs co-created amazing events. Zimbabwe & Armenia were supposed to partner up, however, due to personal reasons from Armenia’s side, the matching couldn’t take place.
Project Brief
MasterPeace Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating the annual International Day of Peace. This year’s celebrations were done concurrently with the belated International Youth Day in Nyagundi. For the celebration, MasterPeace Zimbabwe hosted a democracy-themed short film festival and an award ceremony that recognized the innovative use of visual arts by young people in facilitating youth participation in national development. There were two presentations: one from the Ministry of Youth of Zimbabwe, and the other from MasterPeace Zimbabwe itself. The event included music and dancing sessions in between the program. An amount of 120 youths attended this ceremony.
The local theme (proposed by MasterPeace Zimbabwe) for the International Day of Peace 2018 was ‘Rights To Peace’, accompanied by the International Youth Day theme: ‘Safe Space For Youths’. The youth were given an opportunity to express what they thought should be done towards national development, and map the resources that they needed themselves to make a living; for example, addressing the issues of livelihood, sustainable projects and (micro-)loans. The main purpose of this activity was to encourage youth participation in national development and policy formulation, as well as to conduct dialogue with them about what they expect from the government. Presenters emphasized the need for peaceful co-existence at all times.
Project Context
Zimbabwe’s youth demographic constitutes 60% of Zimbabwe’s population, yet there has been low participation by youths in policy and development space. An apathy by young people is noticeable regarding development processes as characterized by the 2013 elections in which only 21% of this group took part. Whilst youths have taken a peripheral role in the national and local policy and development arena, policies and development initiatives are not yet youth-friendly.
The aim of the activity was to tackle political tension and youth participation as a source of conflict since there is no clear platform for youths to participate in policy and development space and in promoting peace.
Project Outcome
The project contributed towards attaining a more equitable society where resources are shared equally. The Creation of conducive political conditions leads to economic prosperity and well-being of the community. The community is empowered in proactive initiatives that will direct the country towards a path of democratic peace. Nyagundi has been characterized by violent youths, hence there was a need to empower the youths with proactive peace and conflict resolution strategies.
Project Impact
- 120 participants attended this ceremony and the session took place for three hours.
- The organization reached out to another 259 indirectly through social media and pamphlets. MZ reached out to young people between the ages of 15 to 35 years.
- 70% of the beneficiaries aged between 15 and 27 while 30 % aged between 28 and 35 years.
- Peaceful acceptance of peace election outcomes.
- Increased appreciations of peaceful coexistence in communities during and after elections.
- Understanding the need for peace for national development.
- Willingness to solve conflicts peacefully.