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South African Peace Towns make Progress in Building a Culture of Peace
an article by Newsletter of International Institute for Peace through Tourism
Several IIPT/Skal Peace Towns (See CPNN
June 11, 2013 ) have been dedicated in South
Africa including the diamond town of Cullinan,
Rayton, Refilwe, Overwacht. Lethabong, Phumzile
Park and the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Each are in
the process of developing a culture of peace and
social cohesion. Program initiatives have
included:
Scholarship winners
click on photo to enlarge
Senior high school students from two schools,
Chipa-Tabane and Cullinan Combined School were
challenged to write an essay sharing their vision
and insights in support of their towns/villages
becoming Peace Towns/Village. Authors of the
best essay were chosen from each school. Winners
of the essay contest were Albertina Mhlongo, from
Chipa-Tabane; and Tshegofatso Odell Lebethe , of
Cullinan Combined School. Each receiveed a US$ 100
scholarship award to assist with their future
studies.
A Safety House for abused children has been
established caring for 17 children aged 6 to 19.
Zonderwater Correctional Services led the
initiative to establish a peace vegetable garden
at the Chokoe Primary School. Piles of rubble
were removed and replaced with a fertile and
bountiful garden that provides fresh vegetables
for the children of the school.
Award winning artist Norbert Schling, Studio 14 and
Roland Rohrs have successfully launched Visual Art
Exhibitions in Cullinan, drawing many visitors to
the area while supporting and training local
artists.
Dinoleng Game Reserve has as its focus peace
through conservation and protection of wildlife.
DGR also supports community development initiatives.
Young Peterson Mahlangu, founder of Fundani Tours
has created a Community Peace Tour to Refilwe
and Cullinan that provides an authentic village
experience for the visitor including local culture
and history, visits with local story tellers,
NGOs, churches and an introduction to the
welcoming spirit of Refilwe and Cullinan
residents.
Mari Botha, Chairperson of the Rayton Business Forum
is marketing Rayton as a peace town and seeking to
create employment through property development and
to enhance community tourism.
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DISCUSSION
Question(s) related to this article:
How can culture of peace be developed at the municipal level?,
* * * * *
Latest reader comment:
International Cities Choose Peace
J. Fred Arment
arment@internationalcitiesofpeace.org
International Cities of Peace, an association of global cities of peace, is using the U.N. Culture of Peace tenets as the guideline for forming initiatives. To date, thirty-one cities are part of the association. Some are grassroots organizations, others have the firm commitment by resolution or proclamation from the city council.
International Cities of Peace include the following:
Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.
Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A.
Unity Village, Missouri, U.S.A
Coventry, England
Bradford, England
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Mataki, Philippines
Pathuthani, Thailand
Fizi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Lake County, California, U.S.A.
Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
Nagpur, India
Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.
Bujumbura, Burundi
Mzuzu and Lilongwe, Malawi
Tunis, Tunisia
Tuolumne County, California, U.S.A.
Bihac, Bosnia, Herzegovina
Yaounde, Cameroon
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Nyala, Darfur, Sudan
Bujumbura, Burundi
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Nakuru, Kenya
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Kathmandu, Nepal
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Warrake, Nigeria
Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.A.
To start an initiative, go to the association's website for resources and tools.
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