Discussion Power of Goodness with 13-18 years olds. August 29 2024
Walking with Friends Peace Teams- Asia West Pacific is a blessing. We practice living in Integrity and continue to practice the values of Creating Cultures of Peace within ourselves and the community. In this long-term relationship with Friends Peace Teams and all friends who share in this way of creating cultures of peace, we hope to break the chains of violence and promote peaceful living in our troubled land.
One small step started by one person has now spread to several villages, districts, and regencies in Papua. We learn to use Transforming Power to help us address our limitations. This makes us grow. The Onomi Imea Papua Peace Volunteer team was formed from various trainings carried out by the Indonesian Friends Peace Team. We are increasingly ready to carry out this peace mission in Papua. Several facilitators studying on the island of Java continue to practice the Cultures of Peace Agreements in their daily lives.
Pince, who has been studying in East Java since 2023, said, “[I found that ]I could solve the problem by stopping first. After that my mind was clear and then I took the next step. I also still do Stopping when I need it.”
We are grateful for the support of FPT AWP for Beti, Patianus and Selly to attend the Regional Justice and Peace Training 2024 at Peace Place Pati. After this training, Patianus began planning for a team to work in the mountainous areas. One of the first areas we intend to focus on is Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Mountain Province, where there is still armed conflict between the Indonesian soldiers and the Free Papua group. It’s not easy, but there’s power in trying. We want to help friends who are traumatized by violence to believe that Peace is still Possible. As we discussed our plans, we wanted to involve new Papuan friends who came from the mountains to train together. We are sure that with practice, they will discover for themselves that peace can be made real in their own area.
We want to hold a Cultures of Peace Training in October 2024 for new friends who want to get involved. As we, the facilitators of Onomi Imea Papua, practice and grow, so can others who are eager, learn and grow.
Closing PoG Babrimbo Village Childrens, Biak. August 10 2024