Women Planting Seeds of Peace: IWPG Completes 3rd Women’s Peace Education Program in Nigeria

 In January 2026, women in Nigeria marked an important milestone in community-based peacebuilding as the 3rd Women’s Peace Education Program successfully concluded.

On January 10, 2026, International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 1 held an online graduation ceremony for Nigeria’s Women’s Peace Education General Course (Class 25-4-1). A total of 25 women completed the program and committed to applying what they learned within their families and local communities.

A Structured Journey Toward Peace

The education program ran for nine weeks, beginning in November 2025. Participants completed eight structured sessions, along with quizzes and interactive activities designed to deepen understanding of peace, dialogue, empathy, tolerance, and coexistence.

Rather than focusing on theory alone, the curriculum emphasized practical peacebuilding—how everyday communication, mutual respect, and responsible action can reduce conflict and strengthen community trust.

Voices From Experience: Peace as a New Beginning

The graduation ceremony brought together current graduates and women who had completed earlier cohorts. Among the invited guests were Ameh Betty, a peace committee activist and first-generation graduate, and Margaret, a second-generation graduate.

In her congratulatory message, Ameh Betty reminded participants that graduation is not an ending, but a starting point.

She encouraged the graduates to expand peace from their homes into their neighborhoods and wider society, emphasizing that Nigeria’s peace depends on everyday choices made by ordinary citizens.

From Learning to Teaching Peace

During the ceremony, Kang Yeon-kyung, Global Director of IWPG Global Region 1, highlighted the broader goal of the program.

She explained that the graduates had gained a deep understanding of peace through dialogue and coexistence, and encouraged them to take the next step by joining peace instructor training, where they can share their knowledge with others and help expand peace education across communities.

Graduates Share Their Commitment

As each graduate’s name and certificate appeared on screen, participants celebrated together—smiling, waving, and applauding one another.

Two graduates, Richard and Ukaegbu Jacinta, shared reflections on behalf of the class.

Jacinta noted that the program helped her understand that tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect are the foundation of sustainable peace. She expressed her commitment to practicing peace responsibly within her family and community, starting from herself.

Encouragement and Recognition

To honor dedication and active participation, IWPG presented six different awards recognizing outstanding engagement throughout the course. The moment highlighted the program’s emphasis on encouragement, mutual support, and shared growth rather than competition.

Building a Sustainable Peace Model

IWPG Global Region 1 announced plans to continue supporting graduates through a Peace Instructor Training Course, lasting approximately one month. Participants who successfully complete advanced lessons and assignments will receive official Peace Instructor Certificates.

In addition, IWPG plans to form Peace Committees to support instructor deployment and community-linked education programs, laying the groundwork for a sustainable, locally driven peace model in Nigeria.

Women at the Center of Peacebuilding

IWPG is an international women-led NGO registered with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC). The organization works with 115 branches in 122 countries and more than 800 partner organizations worldwide, promoting peace through education, solidarity, and civic engagement.

The completion of Nigeria’s 3rd Women’s Peace Education Program demonstrates how women-centered education can become a powerful force for long-term peace—one community at a time.

By planting seeds of peace through learning, dialogue, and responsibility, these graduates are helping shape a more hopeful future for Nigeria.

Source: https://vo.la/nMS1Mxc