Each month, we share the stories of World BEYOND War volunteers around the world. Want to volunteer with World BEYOND War? Email greta@worldbeyondwar.org.
Location:
Burundi
How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?
Burundi has been strongly affected by violence since 1962, the date of independence. Its conflicts are based in political issues between social groups. Those conflicts decimated many people, included youth. In 2015, Burundi again experienced social tensions that killed women, men and young people. From that experience, I became involved and started to advocate for no more violence by gathering young students and discussing the topic of peace and why violence is prevalent. I met William M Timpson, who shared some books of WBW, and I became interested in WBW’s mission. My team and I established the WBW Burundi chapter this year. We are engaged in establishing a just peace.
What kinds of WBW activities do you work on?
We are convinced that once you educate youth, you educate the world. I am involved in organizing virtual and in-person meetings with students and young people, about how to develop a sustainable peace and how to contribute to creating a culture of peace.
What’s your top recommendation for someone who wants to get involved with anti-war activism and WBW?
WBW is a good movement to stay connected with for anyone who wishes to shape peace through its articles, webinars, videos, and books that promote peace and the end to all war.
What keeps you inspired to advocate for change?
Change is needed for a better world and there is a hope when I value others, love them and share the vision for a peaceful future.
How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your activism?
Covid 19 affected many leaders due to stay-at-home orders that hindered people from meeting as usual and exchanging ideas. In developing countries, virtual meetings were a big challenge because of poor network connections and lack of familiarity with the technology. Mental health was also affected. It became a challenge to engage people to share their point of view during the pandemic.
Posted June 11, 2023.
