Lusaka, Zambia – UPF-Zambia and the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) Zambia, hosted a Youth Leadership and Character Education seminar on December 12, 2024, at the Peace Embassy in Lusaka, on the theme "Rebranding IAYSP for a Peaceful Zambia."
The seminar aimed to revitalize and empower the IAYSP Zambia executive committee members for the year 2025. Mr. Rudolf Faerber, secretary general of UPF-Zambia, encouraged the young people to take responsibility and urged them to become proactive leaders.
The seminar featured three distinguished speakers. Mr. Nicholas Chisha, coordinator of character programs in Ndola, delivered the first lecture via Zoom. Despite the virtual setting, Mr. Chisha shared valuable strategies and tips on managing activities and drew from his extensive experience in the field.
The second speaker, Mr. Kouame Bohoussou Dieudonne, president of the Tongil Moodo Federation of Zambia, represented the IAYSP Africa regional president, Mrs. Mica Amanlaman Camara. He presented an introduction to IAYSP, its vision, mission, objectives, and the general outlook of character education.
Mr. Soondo Mutewa, IAYSP national president, shared the background of the organization’s activities in Zambia, highlighting strategies that have worked in the past and those that can be effective in the future. He also shared his personal experience of how IAYSP has positively impacted his life, particularly in public speaking.
After the break, Mr. Dieudonne delivered a presentation on Tongil Moodo (TIMD) Martial Arts. He emphasized the role of TIMD in promoting peace and character development.
The audience was engaged throughout the presentations, expressing gratitude to the speakers. During the Q&A session, participants sought guidance on how to stimulate the nation’s young people to become involved in positive programs. Despite their concerns, the youth who were present showed enthusiasm for taking part in upcoming activities, with several expressing interest in joining TIMD.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Bongani Gina, director of the southern sub-region of IAYSP, urged participants to be proactive and take action. Mr. Fabrice Djimadoum, secretary general of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in Zambia, encouraged the young people to take ownership in bringing about positive change.
The way forward, participants agreed, involves increasing youth participation and engagement in UPF and IAYSP activities. Their enthusiasm and interest in martial arts can be one channel. TIMD welcomes individuals who wish to contribute to peace and character development through martial arts.
