Promoting Positive Peace through Community Participation

Promoting Positive Peace: Mr. Ibrahim K. Kiazolu's Initiative in Harbel, Liberia.

(By: Ibrahim K. Kiazolu)

On November 26th, 2023, Mr. Ibrahim K. Kiazolu, Founder and Executive Director of ConneKT Africa, a social enterprise operating across 52 African countries almost, took a significant step in fostering peace and awareness in Harbel city, Liberia. This event, held at the International Assembly of God High School, marked a crucial component of Mr. Kiazolu's journey toward becoming an Institute of Economic and Peace (IEP) Ambassador.

The engagement began with an icebreaker, setting the tone for a dynamic session. Each student shared two things they are 7lpassionate about, unveiling the diverse interests within the group. This exercise served as a catalyst for the students to discover shared similarities, fostering a sense of community.

Mr. Kiazolu then delved into the core theme of peace, initiating discussions on individual perspectives and posing the poignant question: Is Liberia peaceful? Surprisingly, many students associated peace solely with the absence of violence. Mr. Kiazolu, drawing on the IEP's research, guided an interactive session exploring the two types of peace: negative peace, characterized by the absence of violence and fear of violence, and positive peace, encompassing  attitudes, structures, and institutions create to sustain a peaceful society.


As the session unfolded, the attendees gained insights into the components of positive peace. The impact was evident when, at the end of the interaction, 10 students pledged to become agents of peace. These students committed to designing and implementing self-initiatives on peace within their respective communities.


The ripple effect of Mr. Kiazolu's initiative extended to the instructors as well. One instructor, inspired by the session, requested the training materials to continue disseminating these transformative ideas in his class. Mr. Kiazolu concluded the event by encouraging students to conceptualise projects, assuring them of ConneKT Africa's partnership in the implementation process.


In Harbel, Mr. Ibrahim K. Kiazolu has not only initiated a dialogue on peace but has planted the seeds for positive change. By challenging preconceived notions and inspiring proactive measures, this event serves as an evidence to the power of grassroots initiatives in building a more harmonious society.


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