International Day of Peace 2026: Itaka Escolapios Foundation unveils school-to-community peace initiative.

This was during activities marking the 2026 International Day of Peace.

The launch brought together schoolchildren, parliamentarians, government officials, representatives of the United Nations, civil society actors and religious leaders. 

It was part of a high-level parliamentary dialogue for the promotion of peace and social cohesion in the country. The event was held on the theme: “Invest in Peace-For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Rev Father Kebei-Ghongson Afoukeze Peter, representing the Itaka Escolapios Foundation, said the project seeks to contribute to peacebuilding by introducing children to peace values through education and extending the process to their communities.

“More than ever before, the quest for peace is a necessity that must be developed within hearts. As we join the world to celebrate peace, we are taking a concrete step by launching a peace initiative,” Father Kebei-Ghongson said.

Education centre of initiative

Rev Fr Kebei-Ghongson linked the initiative to the effects of armed conflict on education, particularly in Cameroon’s Far North, North West and South West Regions.

He cited school closures and destruction, displacement of teachers and families, and disruption of children’s education among the consequences.

He said Itaka and the Piarist Fathers want peacebuilding efforts to move beyond institutional discussions and reach classrooms, villages, neighbourhoods, displaced families, young people and communities affected by violence.

“We cannot build a future without education. We cannot build a future without the safety of children. The innocence and beauty of a child’s heart are the seeds of creativity that we believe will heal this world,” he said.

Speaking separately to reporters, the cleric said the project was conceived around the connection between education, peace and national development. 

He stressed that teaching children peace values from an early stage was intended to prepare them to contribute to their communities and the country.

“When children are educated from the base, it is very obvious that their lives will be remarkable to the nation as well as to the entire globe,” Rev Fr Kebei-Ghongson told reporters.

He also acknowledged the involvement of the United Nations and Parliament in the initiative.

Parliament, UN back peace efforts

Opening the dialogue, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Mary Muyali Boya epse Meboka, representing the House Speaker, said Parliament would continue using its constitutional functions to promote peace, including through oversight and decisions on public resources.

“The National Assembly is the house of the people. We are committed to making sure that the budget Cameroon votes should reflect peace,” she said.

On his part, UN Resident Coordinator in Cameroon, Dr Issa Sanogo, said parliamentarians could contribute through legislation, resource allocation, early warning and their direct engagement with communities. 

“The best investment for peace is investment in prevention. Early actions, promoting dialogue, promoting confidence, trust building, and working together to preserve national cohesion and national peace is paramount,” Dr Sanogo said.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3917 of Tuesday September 22, 2026