Educate a Child in Africa (ECA) commemorated the International Day of Peace against the backdrop of rising insecurity from extremist groups in Cameroon and other African countries especially in countries of the Central African Sub-region where the refugee situation is skyrocketing on a daily basis.
On the 21st of September 2014, pupils of Government Practicing School (GPS) Mile III in Bamenda the North West Region of Cameroon commemorated the International Day of Peace through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. Educate a Child in Africa used its traditional strategy of “Play and Learn” to create awareness on certain key aspects related to peace education. The 2014 edition was commemorated under the theme the “Right of Peoples to Peace”. Madam Asaah Justine, Mr Takem John Ayamba and Ms Neye Victorine, teachers of the institution coordinated the activities that were centered on Educate a Child in Africa’s Play and learn strategy.
The children had the unique opportunity to learn about the different actors that have contributed to the development of Africa notably South Africa’s first black President and Nobel Peace prize winner Nelson Mandela, famous Nigerian writer and winner of the 1986 Nobel prize Wole Soyinka, outstanding Nigerian novelist and author of the famous novel “Things Fall Apart” Chinua Achebe, Africa’s most successful entrepreneur Aliko Dangote, four times best African player Samuel Eto’o Fils, presidents and other influential African leaders.
They also acted a sketch on the inter-tribal wars between the Babanki and Bambili villages of the North West Region of Cameroon illustrating how the problems between these two villages were resolved by local authorities. It was also a platform for the children to showcase their talents through poems, rhymes and above all the fabrication of bracelets and necklace. The children were also involved in an exciting Spelling Bee competition that involved twenty five children to win a book and a pen as a symbol of “education for peace”. They were also placed into groups of four per group to design what they love doing best on a large sheet of paper. The children were also schooled on issues plaguing the continent specifically the ebola and HIV/AIDS viruses.
The activities that were presented on the occasion of the 2014 International Day of Peace instilled confidence to the pupils of the Government Practicing School (GPS) Mile three. The children had the opportunity to learn about basic leadership skills based on the sketch that was acted by some selected pupils. They also understood the notion of a role model since they were presented several African role models and World leaders. They went home with a lot of excitement, energy and passion craving for more Peace Days so that they will be able to partake in more interesting activities.