Timorese leaders to attend Generations for Peace

Young Timorese leaders to attend “Generations for Peace Camp” in Jordan

Nine (of eleven) young and promising Timorese leaders left for Jordan today to participate in the Generations for Peace International Training Camp by invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan. The Peace Camp is the work of his organization, Generations for Peace; a global initiative which aims ‘to contribute to the world’s need for greater tolerance and understanding between conflicting communities; ultimately helping to lead to a demand and desire for peace.’

The organization uses sport and peace education as a means to inspire and empower young leaders from regions of conflict to act as “agents for change” in their own communities. Between December 5-17, 2009, in Amman, these young Timorese will participate in a training program in Leadership Skills and Sport with an emphasis on peace-building, building social capital and a sense of belonging for members of their communities, normalizing people's existence, strengthening life skills for youth, and connecting the socially excluded.

This fifth edition of the camp will gather 80 participants from 13 African and Asian countries including Timor-Leste. These “Peace Pioneers” will return to Timor-Leste having had the opportunity to share their experiences with young leaders from other nations, having learnt ways to facilitate and implement special programs in Timor-Leste, and will bring back to their communities a new found knowledge and understanding of peace building.

The Prime Minister, His Excellency Xanana Gusmão, on behalf of the Government and people of Timor-Leste, extended his deepest gratitude for providing such an important opportunity to Timor-Leste and its future leaders. HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein is planning on visiting Timor-Leste in 2010, by invitation of Prime Minister Gusmão, to consolidate and strengthen ties between the two nations.

ENDS

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