HWPL Zambia Launches 2026 Peace Project… Establishing a Youth Peace Educator Training System
The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) Zambia Branch has officially launched a youth-led peace network and is advancing the 2026 Peace Project through a structured Youth Peace Educator Training process. This project aims to help young people recognize their responsibility to create the peace they wish to see, and to grow as action-oriented leaders who not only practice peace themselves but also raise other responsible leaders.
60 Youth Leaders Gather to Declare the Launch
On January 24, the “2026 Peace Project Kick-off: Youth Leaders’ Meeting” was held at the HWPL Zambia Office in Lusaka, bringing together 60 youth leaders, including members of the Lusaka City Council Junior Council.
At the meeting, IPYG presented five key divisions—Community Action, Anti-Drug Prevention Education, Peace Education, Interfaith Harmony Promotion, and Public Relations & External Cooperation—announcing a structure in which youth take responsibility for the entire process from planning to implementation and expansion.
From Declaration to Action… Three-Week Youth Peace Educator Training Program
Following the kick-off, IPYG conducted the “Peace Educator Preview” sessions (Rounds 1, 2, and 3) as part of its Youth Peace Educator Training Program.During the first session held on January 31, the purpose of the Peace Declaration and peace education was introduced, and the fundamental qualities required to grow as international messengers of peace were emphasized: keeping promises, diligence, and integrity. Charity Simweene, Lusaka City Council Junior Councilor, shared that “One voice can make a difference.
What stayed with me most was realizing that everyone has a role to play in promoting and sustaining peace.”Beyond a simple lecture format, the session included one-on-one interviews to deeply discuss participants’ visions and motivations. A “10-minute speech” assignment was given, which was considered a process designed not for passive learning but to help youth grow through practice and expression.
During the second session on February 7, participants delivered three-minute peace speeches based on their previous assignments. They explained the meaning and role of peace from their respective perspectives, and Benard Kambole, Lusaka City Council Junior Councilor, stated, “I learnt that to speak is to exist for others, and that no matter how effective communication may be, it depends on the listener’s perspective.”
This was evaluated as a process that goes beyond presentation training to cultivate public communication skills and civic responsibility.The session also covered the structure and international significance of the 10 Articles of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) proposed by HWPL. Ruthiana Kakumbi remarked, “I learnt that DPCW is the backbone of HWPL. Even though international laws exist, wars still continue, which shows there is a gap. Everyone is a key actor in promoting a culture of peace.”During the third session on February 14, group presentations were held in which participants created card news content explaining the DPCW, and experiences of serving as team leaders were shared, demonstrating that the program was operated as a practical training process to strengthen responsibility and collaboration skills among youth.Vida Namuchinga, Lusaka City Council Junior Councilor, who served as a team leader, stated, “It honestly wasn’t easy, but I’m really glad I managed to pull through. I learnt a lot from leading the group, even with the challenges.” Ruthiana Kakumbi also emphasized leadership experience during collaboration, saying, “My team was amazing. We shared the responsibilities fairly.” Jordan Mwape, Lusaka City Council Junior Councilor, highlighted that “Being an international peace educator starts with yourself before educating others.” He emphasized that personal transformation leads to community change.
From “Action-Taking Leaders” to “Leaders Who Raise Leaders”
The significance of this Youth Peace Educator Training Program lies not merely in learning about peace. It aims to cultivate youth who act to realize genuine peace and who are also capable of educating others to grow as responsible leaders.
Based on this program, IPYG Zambia is preparing to operate a Peace Culture Center, which will support youth in expanding peace education and civic education within their organizations and local communities.
The 2026 Peace Project has evolved beyond a simple declaration of launch. It is developing into a structure that nurtures responsible youth into action-oriented leaders—and ultimately into individuals who raise other leaders.
This demonstrates that a civil society-led youth development model can serve as a foundation for community peace and social development.
