Hamdani becomes an advocate for peace in the Philippines
Hamdani, 22, is a young Muslim from a Maranao tribe in Marawi City, Philippines. When Hamdani was in school, he was known by his classmates for being rebellious, and a bad example for other students.
“I used to miss classes [and] do nonsense things a lot,” he says. “My attention [was] always being called by the principal in our school for disciplinary action.”
The history of colonization in the Philippines has influenced cultures, beliefs and traditions, creating deeply-rooted biases and prejudices between groups—including Christians of various denominations, Muslims and Lumads (the indigenous people of the southern Philippines). This negative dynamic has been passed from generation to generation, contributing to cultures of violence, mistrust and discrimination—even among young people.
With an eye on these growing conflicts, World Vision’s Childhood Rescue program in the Philippines has a particular focus on peacebuilding, using a methodology called Empowering Children as Peacebuilders, or ECaP. We believe in the power of young people to inspire and transform their communities—that if children are empowered as peace advocates, they can become effective partners in building a better future for the next generation.
Hamdani leads a group of youth in his old school, teaching them to become advocates for peace among their peers and community.
Hamdani was invited to join ECaP in 2018. As he attended the sessions and trained to become a community peacebuilder, his attitude and outlook on life began to shift.
“I am now a changed person,” he says. Hamdani has become an active peacebuilder, returning to his school to partner with staff in creating the Young Peace Advocacies, an organization he now leads.
“I'm very happy to serve and share my learnings about peace with my community, especially the children and youth of my age,” he says. “I want to let the next generation grow and live in a very peaceful environment in the future.”