Generations For Peace's Ray of Hope for 'Hero' Delegates

Chilling accounts of just three of 71 delegates that have vowed to make a difference by attending the 10-day Generations For Peace Camp entering Day 7 in Jordan.

Four years ago, Michael Olufemi Sodipo escaped with his life when his house was ambushed by a rampaging mob that swept through the Nigerian town of Kano. His car was fire bombed and his house destroyed simply because he hailed from the south. The mob searched for him for five terrifying hours before moving on to their next target. But Michael has been in Jordan this week with the clear message that rather than seek revenge, he sought a solution and is soon to graduate as one of Nigeria’s first Peace Pioneers.

“Whilst I was hiding, I could see and hear that the mob was made up from young boys,” he recalled. “They were no older than teenagers and yet you could see the hatred clearly in their faces. I knew then that I had to try and do something to make a difference. This was not right. These boys had not been given a chance at life.”

Michael is the founder of Nigeria’s Peace Initiative Network and will incorporate the new skills learned at Camp 08 to engage 14-18 year-olds from 50 ethnic backgrounds.

“It is all about peace education and sport can now play a major role in what we are trying to do in Nigeria,” he said.

The murder of his cousin in a car bomb changed 21 year-old Nangialy Torialy’s life forever. The student had already witnessed many atrocities in his native Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan but it was the death of the 24 year-old that made him stand up and be counted as an agent for agent.

“It was such a needless act,” he said. “And it is happening in my province two or three times every day. It is a terrible situation we have but I want to work with my countrymen to make a difference and Generations For Peace can do this.

“This is my first time outside of my country and I have learned so much from the other delegates from countries with whom I have shared my own experiences. Generations For Peace builds a network of people who can work together to make a difference. I have many ideas now to try and use back in my home. It has been an incredible experience here.”

In Iraq, Zana Jabbar Abdullah believes that Generations For Peace has already made an impact and he is planning a series of events on his return next week.

Eight peace pioneers graduated in 2007 and he looks forward to joining them in cascading the Generations For Peace programme across his country.

“Everyone knows the problems we have faced over the last few years but I am working with like minded people so we all benefit from each other,” he said. “I have learned that sport can play a role to contribute to peace. Sport is fun; it knows no barriers; it is inclusive for men, women and people with disabilities so everyone can take part. I have many ideas from this week that will benefit Iraqis on my return.”

Jordan’s HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein has spoken of his admiration for the delegates from the world’s conflict zones that have entered day seven of the 10-day Generations For Peace Camp 08.

As the peace pioneers from 7 Asian and 9 African countries shared their horror stories of war and community division, Prince Feisal, founder of the global initiative which uses sport to bring divided communities together, referred to them as‘heroes’ and pledged his support once they return to launch their own Generations For Peace activity.

“It has been a humbling experience to sit with the delegates and to hear first hand of the problems that they have experienced within their own communities,” said Prince Feisal, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee. “I can only describe them as heroes because they have not given up and every one of them is determined that they can make a difference as individuals and working with like minded peace pioneers. They can return home in the knowledge that they will all have the support of me and my team. No peace pioneer will ever be alone.”

On day seven of Generations For Peace, the delegates returned to Amman after more classroom theory and outdoor practical sessions held in Aqaba. Camp 08 will run through until Friday when a graduation ceremony will be held to honour the new Peace Pioneers.

The 10-day Peace Pioneer Certification Programme is composed of four key modules which focus on the roles Peace Pioneers will undertake within their communities: Peace Building; Working with children; Training the Trainers; and Advocacy for Generations For Peace. In addition sport training, rules and teaching skills cover six sports: Softball, Athletics, Football, Volleyball, Basketball and Table Tennis.
As well as the Laureus Foundation, one of the Generations For Peace partners, the National Federations of Jordan and Jordan Paralympic Committee are contributing by providing coaches, facilities and equipment. Numerous International Federations are also supporting the camp by sending coaches. These include: the International Softball Federation (ISF), International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).