URI, WNRCRT Intensify peace advocacy, coexistence in Chinsapo

Malawi: The Wildlife and Natural Resources Conversation and Rehabilitation Trust (WNRCRT), in collaboration with the United Religious Initiative (URI), the Lilongwe Cooperation Circle, and the Chinsapo Youth Network, organised an Interfaith Youth Peace Building and Coexistence Event on Saturday at Chinsapo in Lilongwe.

The event brought together young people from various cultural and religious backgrounds to showcase their talents and preach messages of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

The event's theme was "Using Youth Talents to End Religiously Motivated Acts of Violence and Conflict."

WNRCRT Programs Coordinator Alexander Zenasi stated during the event that the initiative seeks to change the mindset of youth who are mostly used as agents of violence to become responsible citizens in their communities.

Group Village Headman Naison, who was also the guest of honour, expressed gratitude to WNRCRT and URI for their intervention, hoping that it would aid in the resolution of cultural and religious-related violence and conflicts in the area.

In his remarks, United Religious Initiative (URI) National Coordinator for Malawi Geofrey Manasseh stated that gathering youth to showcase their various traditional dances, drama, and poetry will aid in the resolution of conflicts and violence in the area.

He went on to say that peace and unity are essential for promoting the country's socioeconomic development.

One of the youth members in the area, Gloria Makhonje from Lomwe culture, commented on the development, saying she has learned a lot from the performances displayed during the day on how to co-exist with fellow youth from different faith and cultural backgrounds.

She urged more such interventions in the community in order for peace to reign.

The project is funded by the United Religious Initiatives (URI) Seed Grant Initiative, a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by encouraging people to bridge religious and cultural divides and work together for the good of their communities and the world.