The Session chaired by Hon Mary Muyali Meboka saw the launch of the Academic Peace Project to promote dialogue, tolerance and non-violence among young people
Schools have been identified as strategic spaces for cultivating a culture of peace and preventing conflict in Cameroon. The observation was made in Yaoundé during activities marking the International Day of Peace and the official launch of the Academic Peace Project.
The event, held at the National Assembly Auditorium, brought together stakeholders from the education, religious, institutional and research sectors to reflect on the role of young people in building peaceful and cohesive communities under the theme, "Building peace together from the chalkboard to the community: A pathway for Conflict prevention in Cameroon."
Initiated by the Piarist Fathers in Cameroon, in partnership with the Itaka Escolapios Foundation and with the support of the Basque Government, the project is being implemented by Itaka Escolapios Cameroon.
The initiative seeks to make peace education a practical instrument for conflict prevention, beginning in schools and extending to families and communities. It promotes dialogue, tolerance, non-violence and peaceful conflict resolution, while encouraging young people to become agents of peace in their immediate environments.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rev. Father Kebei-Ghongson Peter said the initiative reflects the Church's commitment to peace, human dignity and the development of society through education.
He noted that Cameroon, like every country, has its challenges, but stressed that differences should not prevent citizens from recognising the values and strengths they share.
The clergyman also expressed concern over what he described as a growing lack of respect for human dignity, particularly in social media interactions. According to him, abusive and hateful comments are symptoms of deeper social wounds that require collective efforts to heal.
He emphasised that peace begins within the individual and is subsequently reflected in society.
“If your heart is full of love and peace, you will only share love or peace,” he said, urging Cameroonians to rediscover their common humanity and dignity.
Hon Mary Muyali Meboka, chair of the sessionRepresenting the National Assembly, Hon. Mary Muyali Meboka, Vice President of the National Assembly, reaffirmed Parliament's responsibility in promoting peace and protecting citizens.
She said the National Assembly, as the “house of the people”, has a duty to work with communities and ensure that government action contributes to peace.
She further stressed the importance of ensuring that national budgetary choices reflect the country's peacebuilding priorities.
The event also highlighted the importance of investing in young people. Dr. Issa Sanogo, UN Resident Coordinator in Cameroon said "I believe that engaging in this dialogue with parliamentarians gives us an opportunity to make strong commitments. We want these commitments to translate into concrete actions because parliamentarians are the very people who are in direct contact with the population,”
For the organisers, empowering young people is central to sustainable peacebuilding. By teaching students how to listen, communicate, manage disagreements and respect differences, schools can help prevent conflicts from escalating.
The Academic Peace Project therefore seeks to take peace education beyond the classroom, linking lessons learnt at school to family and community life.
The initiative comes with a clear message: peace is not only the responsibility of governments or institutions. It is a shared national responsibility that can begin with a simple lesson in the classroom and grow into a culture of peaceful coexistence.
By
The Observer
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