Sakata Technical College students trained in peacebuilding skills

Vocational students at Sakata Technical College in Zomba District have received training in peacebuilding and conflict resolution from international mediators Alison Haly of Australia and Suzanne Sherkin of Canada.

The training, held at the college in the area of Senior Chief Nkagula, aimed to equip students with practical skills for promoting peace and resolving disputes within their communities.

Sherkin, who is also the Co-founder of the African Harmony Collective, said the initiative was designed to empower students to become agents of peace and harmony whenever conflicts arise.

During the training, students learned key mediation techniques, including active listening, effective communication, and how to ask constructive questions when helping to resolve disagreements.

Haly and Sherkin expressed confidence that the participants would put the knowledge and skills gained into practice.

“We want these students to become mediators and peace ambassadors whenever conflicts arise among their peers and within their communities,” they said.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Gift Mbewe described the training as valuable, saying it had equipped him with practical skills to help reconcile people during disputes.

Meanwhile, Sakata Technical College Principal Mike Chasonkhana commended the African Harmony Collective for organizing the training.

He said the skills acquired by the students would contribute to strengthening relationships among students, staff members, and the surrounding community, ultimately fostering a more peaceful environment at the institution.