
As part of the Peace Project, the Seychelles Interfaith Council (SIFCO) launched its Train-the-Trainers Program on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The two-day workshop on promoting and strengthening peace in workplaces was held at the Roche Caiman Community Center from Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, and was attended by about one hundred (100) individuals from various organizations, including the Seychelles Police Force (SPF), the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS), churches, and more.
Establishing peace, encouraging non-violence, and cultivating national unity in homes, workplaces, and communities, are the main objectives of why SIFCO initiated the Peace Project. This was launched two months ago with assistance from the National Grants Committee. Approximately one hundred and twenty (120) participants will be trained as facilitators to advance the initiative, and SIFCO will be creating a “Training of Trainers Manual on Peace Building and Conflict Resolutions” in the coming months.
The training was officially inaugurated by the Ministry for Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau who noted that as a small island nation, Seychelles cannot afford to overlook the need for peace and unity.
In her opening remarks, she stated that “Today, we need to come together to lay the foundation for a more harmonious future. This project is a testament to Sifco’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among all Seychellois, regardless of background, faith or conviction”
The Chairman of SIFCO, Archdeacon Danny Elizabeth clarified that the programme was not about converting faiths but about interpersonal human relations. He underlined that the Seychelles is home to numerous “Peace Heroes” who firmly believe in the efficacy of peace. To achieve this vision, SIFCO would likewise be working alongside other organizations.
To facilitate the training, various speakers were included, namely Judge Bernadin Renaud, whose topic was faith as the foundation of peace building; Father Eric Leon, who spoke about ethical practices and values for peace; Agency for Social Protection (ASP) Vincent Marie, discussed about the role of the police as guardians of peace; and Mr. Kisnan Tamatave, President of the RCSS, talked about peace and humanitarian law, among others.
Participants expressed great satisfaction with the training, noting that in a world filled with conflict, it is especially important to promote more peace in workplaces, schools, and the community at large. In addition, the workshops offered the participants the opportunity to reflect on their intentions and behaviors in order to be able to both promote peace to others whilst maintaining inner peace.
Following the training, the trainers will then go to their various workplaces to put the topics and subjects that the speakers presented into practice. To do so, each participant received a handbook to assist with the implementing of the program at the end of the two-day session. A follow-up to this programme is scheduled for early next year, where all participants will be invited to share their experiences.
With the goal of encouraging communication, understanding, and cooperation between various religious and faith-based communities as well as peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, and respect for diversity, SIFCO collaborates with other organizations that share its beliefs and are committed to promoting peace for all societies.