International Peace
Day 2007: AYPAD & UNIOSIL
Africa Youth for Peace and Development Organization
on the 21 September 2007 in collaboration with
United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone
and affiliate groups, like Sewa Ground Park Youth
development Organization, Youth Arise Organization,
PANAFU, Sabanoh Cultural Dancer, Refugee All Stars
and many more commemorated International Day of
Peace 2007 with a music and Drama performance
at the Victoria park in Freetown Sierra Leone.
Like many other Organization around the world,
this is a day is observed as a day of cease fire
and non violence
In this Light, Africa Youths for Peace and Development
a Registered youth Serving Agency in Sierra Leone
and Coordinator in 12 African Countries, thought
it wise to partnered with the above mentioned
organization to render a service to the nation
after the most credible elections in Sierra Leone
After several meeting on the commemoration of
International Peace day Africa Youth for Peace
and Development Organization in collaboration
with the above mentioned Groups finally agreed
that a music and drama festival should be organized
at the Victoria Park in Sierra Leone
In his keynote statement, the Chairman of the
Civil Society Transition Committee, Bishop Joseph
Humper, called on youths all over the world and
in Sierra Leone in particular to, on that day,
‘rededicate their lives to working towards
the consolidation of peace in Sierra Leone’.
The Officer-in-Charge of UNIOSIL, Gebremedhin
Hagoss, encouraged the
Sierra Leonean youth to “build your beautiful
country on the twin values of peace
and democracy”.
Salis Bangura, The Executive Director of AYPAD,
called on his fellow youths to use 21 September
to reflect on the need to always seek peaceful
and Conventional means of resolving disagreements
of any kind. “We the youths have been the
greatest contributors to violence and the greatest
losers. Let us agree here today as youths that
peace building should be our greatest contribution
to our country’s development”. Rosalinda
Pigon Robello, Chief of UNIOSIL Personnel Section
read the UN Secretary-General’s message
on the International Day of Peace, which among
things noted that “Peace is one of humanity’s
most precious needs’.
The UN Secretary-General’s message reminded
the youth that September 21 was “…an
occasion to take stock of our efforts to promote
peace and well being for all people every where”.
The day which brought together more than 500 people
– mostly youths saw the cheering audience
entertained by song, drama and dance groups. The
icing on the cake of a very festive day was provided
by the now world famous Refugee All Stars Band
and a song performance by children of the Pan
African Preparatory School. The day was also celebrated
in other parts of the country.
AYPAD Organization is planning an even bigger
event for 2008 and the proposed Guest Artist for
next year would be AKON the Senegalese born super
star. Interested in taking part contact salis@aypad.com
or aypad@aypad.com
for more information.
