Tag: IPYG

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Youth Mark Africa Day and HWPL Founding Day Through “Peace My Namibia” Community Campaign

Windhoek, Namibia – 6 June 2026 — Youth organisations, community members, and volunteers gathered today at the Otjomuise Informal Settlement for the “Peace My Namibia: Clean Environment, United Africa” Clean-Up and Awareness Campaign held in commemoration of Africa Day and the 25th of May Proclamation of the Declaration of Peace and founding day of HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light).

Hosted jointly by HWPL, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), and Rob Youth Foundation Namibia, the campaign promoted peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, volunteerism, and active citizenship through practical community service.The event reflected the significance of the 25th of May not only as Africa Day, but also as a meaningful day for HWPL, marking the proclamation of the Declaration of Peace and the organisation’s continued commitment to fostering peace through community engagement and cooperation.

Volunteers participated in large-scale clean-up activities, environmental awareness engagements, and community discussions encouraging responsible waste management, unity, and sustainable development within local communities.

Peace My City initiative underway

In interviews conducted during the event, participants highlighted the importance of community unity and collective action in creating cleaner and safer communities. Alex Moses from the City of Windhoek’s Waste Management Department shared, “This cleanup is about working together as a community and taking responsibility for the waste that we generate. By joining hands, we can help keep our surroundings clean and create a healthier environment for everyone.” Siena Rautenbach, the Constituency Development Committee Leader for the Khomasdal Constituency, remarked, “What happened here today is truly historic. For a very long time, we have never had a cleanup campaign of this kind in our area.” She further praised the strong participation, adding, “I was truly impressed by the dedication of the youth volunteers.”

Honourable Cllr Wayne Sissing, Celine Mpereka of HWPL and Mr Alex Moses captured at the cleanup.

Participants also expressed that initiatives such as these encourage responsibility, cooperation, and a stronger sense of belonging among young people while demonstrating how collective action can positively impact communities.

Organisers highlighted that peacebuilding is not limited to conferences or dialogue alone, but can also be demonstrated through practical acts of service that improve communities and bring people together.

The campaign successfully strengthened youth participation, civic engagement, and environmental awareness while reinforcing the shared responsibility of building peaceful and sustainable communities across Namibia and the African continent.

For media enquiries:

Celine Mpereke
HWPL Coordinator Namibia
+264 81 428 3600

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Youth Seek Solutions to Violence through ‘Youth Dialogue’ at the University of Johannesburg

[Johannesburg, April 10, 2026] – The ‘Youth Dialogue,’ hosted by the International Youth Peace Group (IPYG), was held on April 10 at the Wole Soyinka Auditorium, Auckland Park (APB Campus), University of Johannesburg. The International Youth Peace Group (IPYG), an affiliated youth organization of HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), is an international NGO that promotes peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives led by youth worldwide.

The event was organized in collaboration with Gun Free SA (GFSA), the South African Youth Council (SAYC), and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, and was attended by approximately 150 young people. It aimed to provide a platform for youth to recognize the violence they face and take the lead in developing practical solutions for peacebuilding.

The event was held against the backdrop of severe levels of violence in South Africa and the growing need to highlight the role of youth in addressing these challenges. In particular, gender-based violence (GBV) has reached a national crisis level, and 56% of those accused of firearm-related murder are youth between the ages of 12 and 24.

During the dialogue, Dr Sunshine Myende, Chairperson of the Board (National Youth Development Agency – NYDA) mentioned in her speech, “In many of our communities, violence does not begin with an incident, it begins with conditions. It begins with environments where inequality is deeply entrenched and opportunities are limited.”

Chairperson Honourable Bandile Masuku (Gauteng Provincial Legislature) explained, “One of the issues that needs to be addressed is how we can participate in policy formulation and develop intervention methods or programmes to deal with youth violence.” Furthermore, Constable Audrey Buthelezi (South African Police Service – SAPS) stated, “I’m pleading with you to take what that has been shared today and implement it in your communities. Don’t be afraid. You are the future; you are the present. Stand up! We will stand up and rally behind you.”

Dr Stanley Maphosa, Executive Director of Gun Free SA (GFSA), who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IPYG on the day, stated, “Young people are the majority in the country, and their voices are very critical. In spaces like this, such as youth dialogues, youth parliaments, and universities, IPYG is able to mobilise young people within peace discussions and encourage them to say, ‘Let us, as young people, say no to violence,’ and adopt strategies to keep our communities safe.”

Gun Free SA (GFSA) signed Memorandum of Understanding with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)

Mr Mosuli Cwele, General Secretary of the South African Youth Council (SAYC), who signed an affiliation with IPYG, stated in the closing address, “We are quite happy that young people have participated in this event. Our goal is to see young people involved. In everything that we say and do, we want young people to be at the forefront as a nation. Your (the youth) involvement, to us (SAYC), speaks volumes.” Furthermore, he added, “The SAYC and all partners involved will ensure that the discussions held here translate into practical solutions.”

South African Youth Council (SAYC) signs an affiliation with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)

Participants focused on identifying the root causes of violence, including unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to education, while developing practical prevention strategies applicable to their communities. In particular, many youth committed to participating in the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) and continuing their engagement through the Youth Engagement & Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW) to translate dialogue into tangible action.

Youth participant presents potential practical solutions for the youth to implement

A youth participant shared, “Through this ‘Youth Dialogue, I came to realize that youth are key actors in preventing violence, and it was meaningful to build social solidarity and empathy by sharing our experiences. I hope to continue contributing to real change within my community.” An IPYG official also stated, “We plan to implement follow-up programs to ensure that the outcomes of this dialogue, driven by the active participation and collaboration of youth, lead to meaningful action within local communities.”

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Leading Peace against Gender Based Violence by Role Play Fashion Show

On November 22, the “Self-Portraiting Fashion Show for Peace” was held at the Franco National Cultural Centre in Windhoek, Namibia, jointly hosted by the Rob Youth Foundation and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG). The event aimed to raise awareness and encourage public dialogue on the critical issues of gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health, which remain urgent concerns within Namibian society.

The program consisted of three segments, each using forms of performance and fashion to deliver powerful social messages.

The first role-play portrayed strong emotions and the profound impact of gender-based violence and mental health struggles, with a voice-over narration that heightened the emotional message.

In the second segment, models stepped forward holding posters that advocated for ending gender-based violence, breaking the silence, supporting one another, and promoting mental health. These posters represented key challenges currently affecting Namibia.

The performance concluded with two models wearing masks, who removed them as a symbolic gesture of liberation from fear, violence, silence, and emotional suffering.

An event official stated, “We hope this fashion show effectively conveys the severity of gender-based violence and the pain experienced by victims,” adding, “We will continue to practice peace by standing with vulnerable communities and acknowledging their suffering.”

One participating model shared, “I joined because I strongly resonated with the purpose of the event. Every step—from planning to rehearsals and the final show—was enjoyable and meaningful. I hope more events and content that promote freedom and peace will continue to grow.”

The International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) is a global network of young people dedicated to building sustainable peace by fostering cooperation beyond conflict and division. Through peace education, community campaigns, and cultural initiatives, IPYG empowers youth to drive positive change in their societies. With creativity and collective action at its core, the organization leads efforts to prevent violence, promote human rights, and cultivate a culture of peace worldwide.