Maiwand’s Story
Maiwand is a student in the Ophthalmic Technicians Training Programme at NOOR’s Eye Care Training Centre. He participates in the Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Skills sessions once each month. So far, he has participated in eight Peacebuilding sessions. He shared with us about the difference it has made in his life, and the ripple effects it has had on the lives of those around him.
Maiwand says, “I am happy that I have participated in this Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Skills programme. This programme helped me to bring positive changes, good thoughts and good behaviour in my own life and environment. First, I thought I should apply the learnings from these classes in my own life and then I can recommend this program to others.
Conflict resolution skills in action
One day after participating in a peacebuilding session, I went back to the hostel and saw that two of my roommates were fighting about something. I asked them what was going on. They told me that it was one roommate’s turn to cook but this roommate said that he was not going to cook; he was tired because from taking an exam. Because I had just learned about conflict and communication, I was able to play an important role in their conflict resolution. I tried to remain impartial and asked them to explain what had happened. I listened and repeated back to them the important points of their conflict. Then, I realised how to solve the issue. I told them that from today on, everyone will do their own work. They accepted my decision.
Conflict resolution at work in the village
When I went back to my village on my vacation, my friends asked me about what I had studied in the city. I told them that I studied peace, conflict and communication, which had changed the lives of many and helped them to have positive thoughts. I also told them that I really admire the teaching environment of the peacebuilding course because it is a very educational atmosphere and I’m proud of it. They asked me about what kind of programme it is, and I told them that the name of the programme is Peacebuilding. They asked me about the programme and I told them that this programme teaches us to focus on positive thoughts and encourages us to remove and avoid negative thoughts. It also invites people to practice good behaviour and stop bad behaviour.
They asked me for an example. I told them that the local leaders of our village had fought. Everyone knew about their issues and why the conflict had happened. But the local leaders said they didn’t know how to solve their conflict. I told the local shura leaders that I had taken lessons from a peace programme and learned about solving such conflicts. I recommended that someone educated should come and listen to both sides of the conflict and the details of the conflict. Then, this person can try to look at the important points and choose a solution that both sides agree to. In this way, they can try to permanently resolve the conflict.
The local leaders told me that I was lucky to have participated in such a useful programme and that many people need to attend this programme. I enjoy telling other people what I have learned through this course.”
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