An NGO, Justice Development and Peace Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, on Wednesday commenced the training of 40 facilitators in Plateau on alternative strategy to violence.
Boniface Anthony, JDPC Programme Manager, Emergency Preparedness and Response, said at the opening of the programme that the trainees would serve as “proactive trouble shooters” in areas considered crises-prone.
Anthony said that the training, which would last for three days, had participants drawn from 17 local governments areas of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training tagged, “Alternative to Violence Project (AVP)’’, was organised in collaboration with the Mennonite Central Committee.
Anthony said: “The AVP training will provide opportunity for participants to learn new skills, deeper personal relationship and make difference in the communities.
“AVP is a grassroots worldwide movement dedicated to building peace in ourselves, homes, schools, institutions and communities.
“It seeks to release everyone’s innate power to positively transform us, and in so doing, transform our communities and the world.
“It is also a programme for all volunteers that are willing to help people change their lives.
“Thus, it is a programme for everyone filled with intensive learning experience.”
He said that the project, which started in Green House Prison, New York in 1975, also seeks to assist individuals in personal growth and behavioural change.
The official explained that the training would be in batches, hence, another set of facilitators would soon be trained.
He said that the trainees would be expected to step down knowledge gained at the training in their various communities.
He said: “Our sole aim is to have a violent-free Plateau in particular, and Nigeria in general.
“Hence, we will not rest on our oars until peace is achieved.”
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
