Spearheaded by Marko Farai Thebe’s Peace Makers and the MDC-T Youth Assembly, the programme brings together residents in high-density suburbs through street soccer tournaments, debate forums and prayer vigils.
“Political intolerance has been a major hindrance to social cohesion and economic development in most parts of the country,” said Thebe. “We involve mainly youths because they have been used in the upheavals that have affected communities. For peace to return there must be reconciliation, that is what we are trying to foster.”
He urged the youth to work towards eradicating violence, adding that the Ministry of Reconciliation could only gain potency from working with the public, civil rights organizations and religious groups.
“Soccer breaks down barriers and our events facilitate unity among people, while debates are meant to create space to talk about issues that trigger conflict. The way to educate people is to capacitate communities and have dialogue,” added Thebe.
Prayer meetings will be held for peaceful elections.
“We want to spread tolerance among the people, regardless of religious beliefs, tribal background and political affiliation. We also want to achieve unity between former perpetrators of conflict and their victims.”
Post published in: News