A Peace of 2023

2023 was a year FULL of peace…following are some of the highlights. We’re grateful for our supporters and volunteers who help to make it all happen.

APOL’s First Official Visit to Tanzania

In August, APOL Directors Prince Mugisha and Laurena Zondo made their first visit to see Team Tanzania in action with their girls’ education & health awareness campaign. The team has been very active at this secondary school as well as a primary school near by. They have planted trees, provided school materials (books and school bags), and even a few desks for students.

Female team members had a special session with girl students to discuss hygiene during menstruation and how to use and sanitize the washable pads. The team then gave out both washable pads and disposable ones to the girls. It makes a big impact as lack of these products often force girls to miss class/drop out of school.

Meet Team Tanzania, left to right: Lothi, Kerika (Lead), Juma, Chris, Bethy, Jenipher

See you in 2024…plans are underway to help the school with their critical need of water; the area is very dry and lack of water impacts the health of students and their ability to go to school.

---

12th Annual Great Lakes Peace Camp

Hello #12…in Aug, 50 youth from the Great Lakes (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania & Uganda) gathered in Kigali for fun & learning. They were joined by a team of “young-at-heart” from Canada (FBC Toronto). The camp continues to be life-changing as youth build vital life and peacebuilding skills; it’s creating strong bonds of friendship in a region impacted by genocide and violent conflict. After Peace Camp, youth return to their communities as peace catalysts, inspired to lead social change.

The most popular activity at Peace Camp is “secret friend”. This year we had a display area where messages could be posted daily to encourage your secret friend. On the final night of camp, secret friends are finally revealed with much celebration.

One of the most impactful workshops for youth was on trauma and mental health by Joseph Kalisa from the Univ of Rwanda/Centre for Mental Health. Youth got helpful tips on dealing with life challenges and stress in a positive way.

(Above): Interactive learning through sports, games and team activities. (Below): another popular workshop was on entrepreneurship with a seasoned entrepreneur (Las Whilby, from Jamaica now living in Canada) sharing his personal experience. It was followed by a lively Q & A session.

---

Rwanda: Community Peace Event

It was great seeing two peace clubs (Light of the World and Harvest Mahoko) come together to work on a community event that included songs, dance and drama. Also on hand were special guests from Canada, Tanzania and DR Congo. Strong bonds were formed as Light of the World continues to mentor members of Harvest Mahoko Club in drama.

---

Rwanda: Social Entrepreneurship (Sports for Peace)

Pictured: Coach Innocent with one of his youngest teams (under 10).

Coach Innocent launched a sports academy to help boys and girls, from under 10 to age 17, have opportunity to develop their skills in football and in life. “Many come from families in poor situation,” says Coach Innocent. “This program is helping to reduce school and family conflicts, and preventing kids from dropping out of school.” Coach Innocent is a Peace Camp alumni and former all star secondary school football player.

In 2023, APOL awarded Coach Innocent a small grant to help purchase equipment and uniforms. Another small grant was awarded to a Peace Camp alumni now working with street youth in Kenya; the funds will help them start a car wash to earn income.

You can help support more enterprising youth through our Youth Peace Entrepreneur Grant. Donate online today

---

Rwanda/Harvest Mahoko: School Peace Campaign

Our newest club in Rwanda held their first event – a peace campaign at a local school to encourage students to be peacemakers.

---

DR Congo/Vision Club: Care for Orphans

Vision Club Congo continues to make regular visits to help care for orphans at a local centre. When a new school term starts, they bring gifts of warm clothing and school materials and encourage the kids to stay in school. When Christmas rolls around, they throw a family party! They bring food and special snacks, cook and serve a great meal, play games and other activities, all to help the children feel loved during a family holiday time.

---

Burundi/Burundian Heart of Charity: Care for Orphans

Burundian Heart of Charity made their first visit to help care for orphans, many of whom were abandoned on the street and taken in by nuns. The peace club brought gifts of juice and diapers. The young children really enjoyed the special attention and play time and look forward to future visits.

The peace club also continued with their visits to a neighbourhood of families struggling with poverty. They brought gifts of school supplies and uniforms and encouraged the kids to have hope and stay in school.

---

Rwanda: Emergency Relief

In May, torrential rain in Rwanda caused loss of life, homes and livelihoods. But our peace clubs, like Light of the World, rose to the challenge, helping with clean up. We’re very grateful for funds from FBC Toronto and other supporters that helped us to also provide emergency relief – rice, beans, sugar, soap, together with Harvest Mahoko Club.

---

New Campground in the Works

It’s a deal! Thanks to one of our angel investors, we were able to purchase a little more land for our eco-campsite on the shores of Lake Kivu (Rwanda). In 2024, we look forward to the first phase of development to begin.

And that was a just a little of how our year went. We are inspired at the continuing efforts of our youth peace catalysts and the new projects planned for 2024. Once again, we thank our supporters and volunteers. Together, we are peace and love in our world. Keep the peace. Make an online donation today.