To strengthen the capabilities of young peacebuilders worldwide, Jocelynette Leilua, a dedicated youth leader from Brown Girl Woke in Samoa, recently took part in the Generation Change Fellows Program initiated by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).

The programme designed to empower young leaders aged 18-35 years in conflict resolution and community leadership, gathered participants from diverse regions, including the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, for an intensive five-day fellowship held in Nadi, Fiji.

During this transformative experience, Leilua engaged in discussions centered on self-awareness, collaboration, amplifying messages, and fostering personal and community change alongside other emerging leaders.

Reflecting on her participation, Leilua emphasized the significance of connecting with peers from various backgrounds and how this interaction enriched her understanding of peacebuilding strategies. She expressed her intention to implement the knowledge gained from the program within her community in Samoa.

"The Generation Change Fellows Program was a transformative experience for me as a youth leader. The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with peers from different regions enriched my understanding of peacebuilding and empowered me to bring positive change to my community in Samoa," said Leilua.

Mereseini Tuwai, another participant from the Pacific representing Fiji, shared insights on how the fellowship impacted her approach to peacebuilding. Tuwai emphasized the importance of addressing subtle biases within communities that can impede progress and cause discord.

"My time with the Generation Change Fellows Program shaped how I approach peacebuilding in my community. It opened my eyes to the various conflicts we face and what triggers them. One thing that stood out to me is how often we overlook subtle biases happening around us, like those against women and older folks to youths in communities and workspaces, especially in my home island Fiji," said Tuwai.

Brown Girl Woke, the organisation Leilua represents, expressed immense pride in her contributions and highlighted the collaborative efforts of Pacific islanders in the field of peacebuilding.

The Generation Change Fellows Program serves as a testament to the commitment of young leaders like Leilua and Tuwai in fostering peaceful and inclusive communities across the Pacific region and beyond.