04 October 2010

Port-au-Prince, Haiti: On 21 September 2010, a group of UNV volunteers joined Haitian youth at the Sylvio Cator stadium to commemorate the International Day of Peace. As this year’s theme hinges on youth and development, it is a day of great importance to Haiti’s youth who account for over 60 percent of the population and constitute a great potential for the country’s development.

Young people in Haiti are unfortunately celebrating this day in very difficult circumstances. Many have either dropped out or have never been to school, which often results in high waves of youth criminality. The earthquakes of 12 January 2010 made things worse as some have since become orphans and street children.

Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, sees many children dusting cars at major road junctions in order to be able to eat. For these youths to have a future and be able to contribute as the leaders of tomorrow, they have to be given access to education and skills.

It is with this in mind that several United Nations agencies working in Haiti, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, decided to mark the International Day of Peace through activities that help create awareness about youth issues relating to peace.

The Sylvio Cator stadium, which is the national football stadium, was the venue for the day’s activities, and many youth thronged there chanting the slogan Jenès Ayisyèn lan angaje’l pou lapè ak devlopman (Haitian youth committed to peace and development).

Another group of youth from Bel Air, a violent Port-au-Prince neighbourhood, marched singing through the streets before joining others at the stadium. UNV volunteers assisted with the organization of various scheduled activities, and were easily identifiable thanks to their colourful T-shirts.

Popular activities included drawing, picture and slogan competitions. However, it was the football match with opposing teams drawn from two camps of internally displaced people, SOFISA and CITADELLE, which drew the greatest excitement. Spectators were often on their feet to salute the various moves from both sides. SOFISA carried the day by edging their opponents by two goals to one.

Next on the agenda were several speeches, which highlighted the importance of the day and looked at the roadmaps of different organizations for their assistance to youth in particular, and to the government in general for the re-building of Haiti.

Young people who distinguished themselves during the various competitions were awarded medals, and the day also featured a performance by the Tchaka musical group, very popular among young people.

On their part, youth spelled out their rights and obligations through an eight-point resolution, and expressed their wishes and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous Haiti. While vowing to be harbingers of peace and development, they called on all stakeholders, government, the international community, donor agencies and their parents to help sow the seeds for peace and development in the country.