They are being educated in aspects of conflict resolution, economics and business leadership, which forms part of the intensive training aimed at preparing them to run a stable, peaceful country. So said Savo Heleta, a Bosnian employed by NMMU. He was speaking at the launch of The Eden Leadership Foundation’s Foreign Affairs forum (EFAF) here in George.
While most of the oil is situated in the South, the down trodden there have up to now not shared in this mineral wealth. This war torn country has no infrastructure, and getting anything off the ground is immensely complicated. Aforementioned officers have been at war for decades and have not had the opportunity to be educated. "We are putting them through an intensive training programme as part of NMMU’s project."
Heleta experienced two years of the civil war in Bosnia, and said he understands the complexity of restoring normality, and how it will be even more difficult in the Sudan where millions of people died in a genocide which lasted over two decades.
The Sudanese officers are studying subjects like economy, human resources and lea-dership skills. "The civilians have suffered immensely and to add to the difficulties the religious and economic divides are enormous."
However all parties see the necessity for the oil resources to be exploited and they finally agreed to a cease-fire and signing of a peace accord. There is an agreement to share the economic wealth.
Eden Leadership Foundation CEO, Philip de Vries whose initiative it is to launch EFAF, said that the forum would be regularly hosting meetings with top notch speakers.
The forum’s manifesto, which was handed out at the meeting, states that building bridges of communication in order to bring about better business development is one of its aims. "To create a constructive platform for debate about issues crossing the borders of our region and country, as well as fostering better relations both here and abroad," is another.
De Vries said: "The question must be asked - how can we incubate leadership skills and introduce the fostering of international relations into the Eden Leadership Forum? I envisage through dialogue we can bring about a better understanding of our respective societies." The model of education created by Heleta and NMMU can be adopted elsewhere and even in our own country. Anyone who is interested in joining the Forum can contact De Vries at 044 873 2068.
ARTICLE: Pauline Lourens
Margo Johnson of the Save the Child summer camps, Eden Leadership Foundation CEO Philip de Vries, Life Community Services leaders Maryna de Vries and Sally Versfeld at the launch of the EFAF. On the right is Barry Large.
