By Our Correspondent
The African Youth Peace Corps (AYPC), a pan-African movement committed to fostering peace in Africa through peacebuilding, volunteerism and community transformation, has launched an ambitious continental campaign to recruit One Million young peacebuilders.
The campaign, tagged “One Million Peacebuilders For A New Africa,” seeks to build a formidable network of trained, active and community-driven youths who will promote peace and lead grassroots development across Africa.
Speaking on the initiative, the Continental President of the AYPC, Amb. Dr Abdulwaheed Odewale, said the movement believes that Africa’s greatest force for peace lies in its young people.
”What if the greatest force for peace in Africa is not somewhere in the future – but already here, in its young people? Across our continent are millions of young Africans with the energy to lead, the courage to serve and the potential to transform their communities. AYPC wants to turn that potential into action,” Odewale said.
Odewale explained that the One Million Peacebuilders Campaign is not about gathering followers or names on a list, but about raising one million people ready to make peace happen where they live.
To ensure inclusivity and mass participation, the organization has announced that entry into the Corps is now 100 percent free.
According to him, all new members will enjoy free membership, free peacebuilding training, free certificate and free digital identification.
”No registration fee. No certification fee. We are removing the financial barrier because Africa cannot afford to lose willing peacebuilders simply because they cannot afford to participate,” he stated.
He called on Nigerian youths and young people across Africa to be counted in the historic movement.
”If Africa is raising One Million Peacebuilders, will you be counted? Don’t watch this movement grow without you. Your community is your starting point. Africa is the mission,” he added.
The African Youth Peace Corps operates on the mantra: Be the Peace. Lead the Change – with the conviction that a peaceful Africa is possible.