MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The European Union (EU) and World Vision Development Fund launched, February 1, two projects that center on peace promotion through education and solid waste management (SWM) in the Bangsamoro region.

The first project, called "Promoting Efforts Addressing Conflict through Education in Mindanao (PEACE)," aims to build a culture of peace, tolerance, and stronger social bonds in the cities of Marawi and Cotabato.

It is for more than 107,000 people in 16 barangays in both cities. This includes schoolchildren ages 12 to 18, young people ages 19 to 25, teachers and education staff, community leaders, women mediators, and barangay local government units.

The second project, Integrated Solid Waste Management-Circular Economy Adaptation for Alternative Plastic Waste Solutions in Cotabato City, aims to improve the SWM capacities of local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and informal sectors by incorporating the best practices of the circular economy.

EU Delegation in the Philippines Political Officer Frederic Grillet said Peace Mindanao reflects the key role that children and young people play in the achievement of a peaceful society.

He said the project will give children and young people more skills and confidence to be peace ambassadors in their community.

So, the project will use the "Empowering Children as Agents of Peace" (ECaP) approach from World Vision, which is in line with the EU's promise to encourage meaningful youth participation and empowerment.

Under the second project, Grillet said they intend to create a dialogue platform that aims to exchange expertise on circular economy solutions built on national strategies. "We also would like to work with selected municipalities, locally-based civil society organizations, and businesses to implement specific actions," he added.

World Vision Philippines, in collaboration with World Vision Ireland and World Vision Germany, will carry out the PEACE Mindanao and SWM projects, respectively.
World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel Fuerte said both projects aim to provide children and youth with a safe and healthy environment where they can grow and fulfill their dreams. 

"Perhaps the most important of all is that, through these projects, our concerted efforts as partners will allow our children and their families to thrive more productively and responsibly as citizens of our country," he further said.

As a child-focused organization working in the country for over 65 years now, Fuerte emphasized that they have been working with different partners to achieve hope, joy, and justice for every child through holistic community programs that addressed the welfare and well-being of all children. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)