Some 700 students at the Alassane Ouattara University (AOU) in Bouaké have made a commitment to promote peace and non-violence at an official ceremony marking the 5th stage of a sensitisation campaign on the culture of peace in universities.



The campaign, initiated by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in collaboration with the Ivorian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as UN agencies and external partners, started on 26 February 2015, and aims to engage students in universities and higher education colleges in promoting peace, non-violence and cohesion in their respective institutions and being aware of their civic duties.



The AOU's theatre group performed a sketch which illustrated how students and school children were very often hostages of politicians during an election period. « No to manipulation in our universities, we are the future of this country and we want to continue with our studies in a peaceful environment », chanted the students who turned up in huge numbers to show their agreement with the principles of the sensitisation campaign to promote the culture of peace and non-violence.

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, congratulated the students on the quality and the pertinence of the messages in their theatre sketch. In this regard she welcomed their heightened awareness which puts them on a path of non-violence. « Yes we have witnessed the conviction of students to promote peace ». Mrs Mindaoudou said it was important for these messages to be heard by everyone and the political parties. « We need healthy political activities and you as students should sow the seed of non- violence », she added.



The Special Representative stressed the need for students to follow the "Alassane Salif N'diaye Charter" which aims to prevent violence and promote social cohesion and reconciliation in universities. "From now on you are all messengers of peace", Mrs Mindaoudou told 110 students who had been selected to take part in thematic workshops on human rights, culture of peace education, the role and responsibilities of student associations, and the technique of communication for behaviour change.



The Bouaké stage of the sensitisation campaign was marked by a competition for the best peace slogan which was won by two contributions : « The flower of peace can only produce the smell of happiness » and « Let's cultivate peace for a better tomorrow ».



The ceremony ended with a donation of 15 computers to AOU as part of UNOCI's Quick Impact Projects programme.