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SCMZ intensifies peacebuilding initiative: Young people as agents of peace
Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ)
November 10, 2009

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God", says Matthew 5 verse 9. This scripture aptly prescribes the prophetic role of anyone who claims to be a child of God. In tandem with the scriptures, SCMZ has embarked on a massive peace-building drive. This has seen SCMZ conducting a series of trainings on Conflict Transformation and Peace building. The drive which kick started with a training workshop in Matebeleland South, Gwanda; a region which has for long been devastated by politically motivated violence and institutionalized injustices, is set to reach to other provinces of the country.

The workshop which attracted more than thirty young people from Gwanda`s only tertiary institution, Joshua Nqabuko Polytechnic College and the Christian community was aimed at mobilizing young people to shun and desist from any violent acts and commit themselves to be agents of peace in their own families, community and country. The workshop came as part of the broader Conflict Transformation and Peace-building Initiative, that SCMZ has intensively embarked on. This came as a call from young people after realizing that a lot of damage has been done on their lives, let alone their dented future, and should not let the 'political vampires' continue to abuse their energies for their own selfish power greediness and avarice. Hence the workshop was meant to equip young people, particularly from the Christian community, with relevant peace-building skills, as they realize and profess their prophetic mandate and obligation as the children of God.

A similar workshop was also held on the 7th of November at Bindura University, Mashonaland Central, a province which has recorded a sizeable incidence of politically motivated violence. This spate of violence has left thousands of people beaten, tortured, displaced while others had their livestock confiscated, and homes razed. Hence it is our mandate as SCMZ to engage the ecumenical movement in fostering love and brotherliness, and promote tolerance, reconciliation and co-existence, by shunning the hatred and resentment that has been aggressively motivated by political polarization.

The workshops were also instrumental in revitalizing and rejuvenating SCMZ branches particularly, J.N Nkomo Technical College and Bindura University of Science Education. It is our hope that the on-going process will remarkably aid in the growth of the movement as well as strengthening its initiatives, particularly at tertiary institutions. For we believe that, Christians should not only be warriors on their knees, but should also be a formidable force in expressing their faith in practical ways, for the betterment of their nations.

As the nation awaits long-lasting peace, we urge the entire ecumenical movement and other progressive organizations to continue playing their prophetic role through denouncing social injustices and proclaiming the greater good of all people built on peace, love, unity and belief in Christ. Let everyone who claims to be a child of God joins SCMZ Peace-building Family.

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