Peace Building Takes Centre Stage at CYF7

Matters surrounding the issue of peace building were discussed on Tuesday at the 2nd thematic plenary session of the Commonwealth Youth Forum 7 on board the Caribbean Princess cruise ship in Trinidad.

Regional Youth Caucus, Africa Chair, Samuel Kavuma used the example of young people growing up in his native Uganda stating that most Ugandan youth have either grown up in or have experienced some form of armed conflict in their lifetime. Kavuma cautioned the delegates that many countries which the world may view as being ‘stable’ could slip into conflict at any time if deep seated problems are not dealt with urgently.

A MESSAGE FROM CYF 7 – ISLAM MEANS PEACE

Peaceful Muslims throughout the world face a similar dilemma, that of stigmatisation. Although the majority of the followers of Islam adhere to its peaceful teachings, the label of terrorism is often attached, especially in countries where Muslims are in the minority.

This is a problem Commonwealth Youth Forum Delegate Shaft Nasser Mukwaya faces on a daily basis in his native Uganda and his mission is to do all in his power to change the misconception and he intends to continue his crusade at CYF 7.

There were bugs, boots, bites and bush. Slips, slides and slush but that did not stop over 80 Commonwealth Youth Forum Delegates from thoroughly enjoying the Tobago Rainforest. 
The tour to the Tobago Rainforest was the heaviest subscribed of the four Learning Journeys organised for CYF 7, with the others being trips to Buccoo Reef, The Tobago Cocoa Estate and the Youth Assembly, a mock sitting of the Tobago House of Assembly…but by all reports, the Rainforest Tour was the most exciting.