Young People Call for an End to Violence
05 February 2009

About 200 children and youths holding anti-violence posters and banners spent all of Sunday morning, February 1st, walking and calling for an end to all forms of violence including domestic violence in Prey Kry commune, Chulkiri district, Kampong Chhnang province.

The children marched across Prey Kry commune’s villages through the outdoor market and crowded streets. The children spread the message that all kinds of violence are not tolerated by the law and the children.

“We organized a march today because we want to stop violence in our villages. I am very happy when our thought becomes a reality,” said Muon Amara, a representative of the Peace Road Youth Club.

Amara explained that he came up with the idea with his club members after he had joined an anti-human trafficking training organized by World Vision. After agreeing to cooperate, four children’s clubs from various villages started to raise funds from villagers, vendors, local authorities, micro-finance institution, and WV’s Mobilizing Communities for Child Protection (MCCP) project.

Sok Panha, another member of the Peace Road Youth Club, said “I am proud that I can make the event happen. This was the first time that we young people did such a thing. Many people, including village and commune chiefs, have supported us. Villagers even echoed our messages.”

Men Sam Ath, Military Police chief of Chulkiri district, who attended the children’s activity was impressed and found the event meaningful for their community. There are cases of violence happening in his territory.

“They are good models for their peers and the whole community. People committing violence will be ashamed when they see this event. I will support them in their services to the community.” expressed Men Samath.

The children and youth club members have played pivotal role in their communities. They work to build a better environment by promoting peace and safety for development. So far, they have promoted messages on child rights, stopping child abuse, anti-drug use, and anti-violence through role-play and marching amongst club members and villagers.

“I really appreciate them and I am proud of them too. It was not easy to host the marching. Because of their commitment, effort, solidarity, patience and willingness, they could overcome and made the event a great success,” said Eng Hok, WV’s Mobilizing Communities for Child Protection project officer.

Through MCCP project, youth clubs’ members have attended training to build their capacity as young leaders—Peace Road for Children Curriculum and Child Protection. After learning from the project, they have facilitated training for children clubs in their villages.

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