Diverse groups to come together to discuss peacebuilding at CMU
WINNIPEG, MB—People from a variety of different vocational backgrounds will gather at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) next month to discuss different approaches to peacebuilding, justice, reconciliation, conflict resolution and development.
The Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP), an institute of CMU, will offer a number of five-day courses from June 18 to 22 and June 25 to 29, covering topics that include Aboriginal issues, peace skills, citizen advocacy, inter-ethnic reconciliation and the arts.
Valerie Smith, the co-director of this year's CSOP, says that one of the richest aspects of the school is the diversity of people who participate. In addition to CMU students, faculty and staff, participants include students from other universities, experienced practitioners from the peacebuilding community, pastors, retired farmers and more.
In the past, the school has received applications from dozens of countries including Australia, Switzerland, Kenya and Rwanda, and students have ranged in age from 19 to 81.
"It's a very different mix than you would find in a typical university classroom and I think that enriches the experience," Smith says.
The CSOP was established in 2009, and Smith says that each year it aims to offer courses in a few different streams: Aboriginal peace and justice, foundational courses in peacebuilding, restorative justice and the arts.
She adds that the school is still accepting applications and that it is open to anyone who is interested in learning about peacebuilding.
"People shouldn't assume this is a place for academic or full-time peacebuilders. Anyone who is interested in learning about peace and sharing their experience has a place here, and we welcome them."
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