Peace day celebration

Through the peace clubs established in high schools across Burundi, Restoration Burundi (Restobu) continues to nurture a culture of peace and non-violence among young people. On many occasions, Restobu organizes conferences and artistic events that use creativity as a tool for reconciliation. Through dances, slams, poems, sketches, and student presentations, messages of peace and hope reach thousands of people across the country.

This year, as part of the celebrations for the International Peace Day, the ceremonies were held at Bugabira High School in Kirundo Commune and Lycée Scheppers of Nyakabiga, Bujumbura.

The atmosphere was filled with joy as students performed songs and poems promoting unity and compassion. Through their creativity, they demonstrated that peace is not only an ideal it is something that can be lived, shared, and taught. The event also provided an opportunity for young people to exchange experiences and ideas on how to handle conflicts peacefully and become true ambassadors of peace in their communities.

In his address to the audience, Gratien Nibigira, Director of Restobu, emphasized the importance of embracing peace as a way of life.

“Conflict is the enemy of peace. But in every community, conflicts are normal. What’s most important is finding peaceful ways to resolve them through reinforced relationships, dialogue, and mutual understanding,”  he said.

The peace clubs have become safe and inspiring spaces where students learn to handle conflicts without violence, listen to each other, and practice forgiveness and empathy. Many students have testified to the positive changes these clubs have brought to their daily lives.

“We came to understand what peace really means,” said Princesse Bella Igiraneza, a member of the peace club at Lycée Scheppers. “We help others build a peaceful school community. What we learn in the club helps us live in harmony with everyone.”

Her classmate, Guy Kubwayo, explained how the peace club’s activities have shaped their school life.

 “We need mutual support in this boarding school. The club gives us the opportunity to learn peaceful coexistence, compassion, and unity,” he said.

These testimonies reflect the strong impact of the peace clubs, not only as educational initiatives but as living communities where the values of peace are practiced every day. The students trained in these peace clubs have become beacon of peace. The skills in peaceful conflicts resolution the clubs endowed them make them peace artisans in their families and their communities.