SISDEV SENSITIZATION OF COMMUNITIES STARTS IN SAMA COMMUNITY IN RIVERS STATE

As part of the implementation of the EU-ACT Project on “Enhancing Community Peace and Electoral Violence Abatement Through Local Conflict Mitigation in Rivers State”, Support Initiative for Sustainable Development (SISDEV) in partnership with the British Council began it’s Community Town Hall meeting in Sama Community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The meeting held on the 12^th of July, 2022 at the Community Primary School in Sama. It is the first of the 10 Communities of Degema and Asari Toru LGAs, mapped for the implementation of the Second phase of the project which is community engagement.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of SISDEV, Philip Kalio introduced the program to the people, stating that the thematic focus of the program is to promote Unity, peace, love, good leadership, women inclusion, youth inclusion, and a partnership between all groups (men women and youth), adding that the program is geared towards community development, peace building and conflict management, to ensure that the needs of the communities are projected.

The lecture topics were on Quality leadership, Non-Violent Conflict Resolution and Peaceful Electioneering, opening the eyes of the people to their rights as citizens, what they should demand from their leaders and how to settle disputes without violence.

Members of the community were given an opportunity to ask questions and to talk about the issues and challenges they are experiencing in their community.

Below are success stories and comments from some participants:

1. Mrs. Dumo Iyabo Evans (Woman) – This meeting has taught me so many things about conflicts and how to make this community a non-violent community. More people need to learn about how to keep peace in the home and the community.
2. Mac-Jenbarimiema Afanya-a (Youth) – Such programs have positive impact on people and it will encourage development in the community. It has taught me many things that I am ignorant of. We now know how to resolve conflicts and how to avoid more conflicts in our community. More of these programs should be introduced to the community.
3. Hon. Silvanus Horsfall (Community Secretary) – I am one of the beneficiaries of this program. I attended the seminar and workshop and it has given me numerous benefits. Everybody should encourage and welcome such programs even in other communities. It’s a good platform to learn.