Peace-building in Liberia

Liberian teenager Leah Kiawoin has learned peace-building skills at workshops run by CAFOD partner CJPS [David Baines]

A Liberian teenager who witnessed years of violent conflict, has been learning how to resolve disputes with other young people and work towards a more peaceful future.

Leah Kiawoin, joined CJPS (formerly Centre for Peace Studies) after its offices in the north of the country were destroyed and it relocated to refugee camps in Monrovia.

The 18-year-old has taken part in youth programmes, learning how to resolve conflicts.

Learn about peace

Leah said CJPS programmes, which are supported by CAFOD, have helped young people like her learn about peace.

“I started with CJPS in December 2003, I was encouraged by a friend to join,” she said. “I attended the first workshop on Community Mobilisation. There we learnt how to be united in the community.

“I also learned how to help two people overcome conflict - how to get them together. I helped my sister when she was fighting with a friend. I explained how they must be united.

"The training was good, they listened to me. In the future I hope that I will be a good person; I hope to have a home, a job, a family.

“I will always be happy to be with CJPS.”

Leah is just one of many young people trained by CJPS, including former child soldiers and teenage mothers.

As well as teaching vital vocational and peace-building skills, CJPS runs income generation programmes and carries out advocacy on youth issues, including the use of community radio by young people.

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