Two esteemed Nigerians, Edwin Okpala and Grace Watirahyel Samuel, are set to participate in the inaugural regional lead trainers’ course on child protection. This significant event in Rwanda will run from September 25 to 29.
Edwin Okpala, renowned for his skills as a chartered mediator with specialization in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, holds a position at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre. On the other hand, Grace Watirahyel Samuel serves with distinction in the Nigerian Army.
Course Details and Objectives
Shelly Whitman, Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute, provided insights on the course. The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security of Canada orchestrates the training. It is designed to equip participants with the latest best practices. The curriculum covers strategies to prevent children’s recruitment in conflicts and strengthens their ability to facilitate Dallaire Institute courses across Africa.
Dallaire Institute’s Vision
Whitman shed light on the Dallaire Institute’s guiding principles. “We place children at the heart of peace and security. This course brings together change agents from military and police sectors across Africa. Our objective is shared learning to stop child recruitment in conflicts. Feedback from their experiences continually sharpens our methods, ensuring they’re effective,” Whitman explained.
Collaborations and Milestones
The Dallaire Institute remains a key player in the global effort against child recruitment into armed conflicts. Since 2017, they’ve nurtured partnerships with Nigeria’s military, police, and various civil society groups.
In 2021, a significant stride was made. The Institute signed a memorandum of understanding with the Martin Luther Agwai Leadership and International Peacekeeping Centre (MLALIPKC) and the African Peace Support Training Association (APSTA). This collaboration aims to amplify capacity-building projects throughout Africa.
