DUSHANBE, August 27, 2010, Asia-Plus — The United States Embassy sponsored a series of summer camps in Qairoqqum and Romit that use theater to inspire young people to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner, according to the U.S. Embassy.
The United States Agency for International Development funded the Youth Theater for Peace summer camps for 110 teenagers to from rural villages in Sughd and Khatlon. Participants identified the most critical problems in their communities and developed plays that promote dialog about these issues. U.S. Chargé d”Affaires Necia Quast participated in the closing ceremony of the summer camps on August 25 and watched one of the performances.
Chargé Quast commented, “When you put your issues in a play, others will not only see but also understand your problems. I really hope you will keep this theater going in your community and promote peace. Your small step can grow into a strong foundation for Tajikistan’s future.”
Following the completion of the summer camps, participants will conduct Youth Theater Tours in various villages, presenting plays and facilitating dialogue in various communities. The goal is to promote peaceful conflict resolution skills in young people.
The Youth Theater for Peace project uses an arts-based approach which aims to promote sustainable conflict prevention at the community level by encouraging changes in attitudes and behaviors among young people. The methodology uses theater to engage community members to identify and find solutions to local problems.
The Youth Theater for Peace project is one of the many assistance projects the American people, through the United States Agency for International Development, support in Tajikistan. Since 1992, the American people have provided approximately $900 million in programs that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education and economic growth.
