A 14-day animal vaccination and peace building training, organized by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in collaboration with the state Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries and supported by the UNMISS field office in Rumbek, has concluded in Rumbek on Friday, with participants calling for the initiative to be extended to other states.
The training, which brought together 82 participants from Warrap, Lakes, and Unity States, aimed to empower cattle youth with veterinary skills and peace-building knowledge.
Daniel Laat Kon, the CEPO coordinator in Lakes State, highlighted the significance of the training in promoting both animal health and peaceful coexistence.
“This training aimed to empower youth from cattle keeping communities through the provision of veterinary drug kits and training skills on peace building, conflict mitigation, and peaceful coexistence,” he explained.
Elizabeth Paul, the UNMISS civil affairs division officer from Unity State, emphasized the objective of empowering youth with skills to generate income and divert their attention away from conflicts.
She further stated that the training aimed to foster interaction, social cohesion, and reconciliation among the participants from the bordering areas of Warrap, Unity, and Lakes States.
“We have seen women empowerment, which is very good. It encourages us, and we need such activities to continue, with women involved in every stage of society, public life, and decision-making,” Elizabeth affirmed. She acknowledged that women are peacekeepers and advocates for peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Dut Mading, an animal health vaccinator from Lakes State, expressed his satisfaction with the training and called for similar initiatives in Unity State.
He urged the government to organize training sessions on animal health and peace-building, as the participants now possess skills in both areas. Mading emphasized the importance of preaching peace while vaccinating animals.
Salvatore Mayor Mayor, a veterinary director and facilitator of the training, urged the participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in their respective states.
He emphasized the need to adhere to the training guidelines and work as peace ambassadors. Mayor expressed frustration with the recurring communal conflicts across the borders of Unity State, Warrap, and Lakes States, urging the participants to collaborate and bring peace to their regions.
The conclusion of the animal vaccination and peace building training not only equips participants with valuable skills but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and peaceful coexistence in the region.