WINNIPEG – Students from the University of Winnipeg’s Menno Simons College and Seven Oaks School Division #10 are offering a peace conference called A Season for Non-Violence: Weathering the Storm on Thursday, February 20 starting at 9:30 a.m. Held annually, this is the fifth conference of its kind.
The focus of the conference is on conflict resolution and international development issues. At the morning plenary students will have the opportunity to add their names to a pledge of non-violence, signaling their support and commitment to world peace. The conference will raise young people’s awareness of the challenges faced by youth in other parts of the world, and proactive ways students can help address these challenges.
As a student-led conference, high school students took part in selecting the theme of the conference and workshop topics. University of Winnipeg students from Menno Simons’ International Development Studies and Conflict Resolution programs assisted in organizing the conference, and will be facilitating some of the workshops.
Approximately 150 students from eight Winnipeg high schools are expected to attend. There are 10 different morning and afternoon workshops for students to choose from, as well as displays by community and volunteer organizations. The conference will conclude with a special wrap-up session in which high school students trained in facilitation by Menno Simons College students will help their own schools choose a follow-up activity to the conference. The event will also feature keynote speakers Pearl Gottschalk and Evelyne Ssengendo, Menno Simons College students who have recently returned from practicum placements in Ethiopia and Uganda.
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To arrange an interview with conference coordinator Ruth Taronno, please contact Katherine Unruh, Director of Communications, at 204.786.9872
