The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) is proud to announce the launch of the Peace Education and Management Training (PEMAT) 2025: August Special Edition (Cohort 3), an intensive virtual training initiative designed to empower a new generation of peacebuilders across Africa and beyond. This unique training experience is set to run every Saturday in August 2025, combining practical education, peacebuilding tools, and essential nonprofit management strategies to inspire competent, ethical, and innovative peace practitioners.  What is PEMAT? The Peace Education and Management Training (PEMAT) is the flagship capacity-building programme of the PEPNET Institute. Designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in peacebuilding, PEMAT offers a structured platform for aspiring and emerging peacebuilders to strengthen their knowledge of conflict dynamics, peace practice, and nonprofit leadership. Now in its third cohort, the programme continues to gain relevance and impact across the peacebuilding landscape. The theme for this edition is “Building Competent Peace Practitioners through Practical Education and Management Skills”. The training is fully virtual, enabling participation from any part of the world. https://youtube.com/shorts/XyAa6xvEgLo Training Schedule and Details Dates: Saturdays – 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 August 2025 Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (WAT) Platform: Zoom (link shared upon confirmation) Target Participants: Over 50 aspiring peacebuilders, nonprofit leaders, students, and development practitioners Course Modules and Faculty Participants will gain hands-on insights from seasoned facilitators in the following areas: Introduction and Practical Skills in Peace and Conflict Education – Amb. Moses ABOLADE, Executive Director, PEPNET Conflict Analysis and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – Dr Adeola Adams, National Open University of Nigeria Trauma-Aware Peace Practice – Julie Lillie, Educational Consultant, The Peace Pad NGO Management and Organisational Development – Mr Oyebisi Babatunde Oluseyi, Executive Director, NNNGO Fundraising and Crowdfunding for Peace Projects – Mr Bryan Carey, Director of International Peacebuilding, Peace Catalyst International Monitoring and Evaluation for Peacebuilding – Ms Stephanie Carey, Grant Writer, Peace Catalyst International Gender Mainstreaming in Peacebuilding – Ms Patience Obaulo, Director of Programmes, WANEP Nigeria Sign Language for Peace – Ms Blessing Ini, CEO, Home Made Signs Unique Benefits of Participation Certificate of Completion endorsed by PEPNET, PCI, WANEP, and The Peace Pad Recognition and induction as a PEMAT Ambassador Free PEPNET Associate Membership (valued at ₦12,000 | $7) Access to a global network of over 550 peace practitioners Mentorship and professional recommendations for outstanding participants Extended mentorship for top 10 Abuja-based participants Visibility, project support, and eligibility to pitch ideas at PEPCON 2025 https://youtube.com/shorts/40nPEdUEhMU?feature=share PEMAT is not just another virtual training. It is a journey of empowerment, a community of changemakers, and a platform for practical transformation. Whether you are beginning your peacebuilding journey or seeking to strengthen your nonprofit impact, PEMAT offers you the skills, network, and recognition needed to take your work to the next level. How to Register Secure your spot by completing the registration form by 30 July 2025: 🔗 Register Here: (https://shorturl.at/9B6Sx) For Enquiries, Participation, or Partnership Opportunities:Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) 📍 Km. 2, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja, Nigeria📧 Email: ppepnet@gmail.com | moses.abolade@peacecatalyst.org🌐 Website: www.thepepnet.org📞 WhatsApp/Call: +234 810 966 1910 | +234 813 184 7345 | +234 703 157 2337

The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) is proud to announce that our Executive Director, Amb. Moses ABOLADE has joined the esteemed team at Peace Catalyst International (PCI) as a Peacebuilding Consultant, Facilitator, and Educator (Team Member). This appointment marks a significant milestone in both his peacebuilding journey and PEPNET’s expanding global influence. Peace Catalyst International is a U.S.-based peacebuilding organisation committed to promoting peace through interfaith collaboration, intentional relationships, and nonviolent conflict transformation. Learn more about PCI at: 🔗 www.peacecatalyst.org You can view Moses’ official profile on the PCI website here: 🔗 www.peacecatalyst.org/moses-abolade A Shared Mission for Global Peacebuilding Amb. Abolade’s appointment to PCI is a natural continuation of his tireless work in peace education, youth development, media for peace, and nonprofit leadership across Nigeria and international platforms. His commitment to building peaceful communities through education and action aligns perfectly with PCI’s mission. In 2024, he was honoured with the prestigious Rick Love Peace Innovators Award by PCI, recognising his impact and creativity in local and global peacebuilding. That recognition brought him into collaboration with renowned peacebuilders such as Bryan Carey, Peter Anderson, and Stephanie Carey, leaders who continue to shape the global conversation on faith-based and grassroots peace efforts. Strengthening the PEPNET–PCI Connection Through this appointment, Amb. ABOLADE will contribute to PCI’s work in West Africa and beyond by: Facilitating peace education sessions and interfaith dialogues Mentoring young peacebuilders and nonprofits Supporting PCI’s international curriculum development and program implementation Bridging PEPNET’s grassroots expertise with PCI’s global peacebuilding mission This collaboration reflects PEPNET’s commitment to scaling peace education beyond borders and nurturing a new generation of competent, ethical, and dynamic peace leaders. Support Our Work: Empower Peacebuilders Across Africa This new partnership also opens up greater opportunities for you, our partners, allies, and supporters, to join in building sustainable peace. You can now make tax-deductible donations to support PEPNET’s work via PCI’s secure giving platform. Your generous contributions help us continue vital initiatives like: PEMAT (Peace Education and Management Training) PEPCON (Peace Education and Practice Conference) Peace Lovers Connect (PLC) PESS (Peace Education for Secondary Schools) Back to School for Peace Project, and more. 🔗 Donate securely here: www.peacecatalyst.org/moses-abolade Please indicate “PEPNET Donation” or the project name in the donation note. Amb. ABOLADE’s journey with Peace Catalyst International is a reminder that peace is not a theory but a practice, one rooted in relationships, intentional collaboration, and shared hope. Let us continue to build a world where peace thrives, one act, one person, and one initiative at a time. Congratulations to Amb. Moses ABOLADE on this next step in his global peacebuilding mission! Stay connected with us at 🌐 www.thepepnet.orgFollow Moses on LinkedIn

The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) team, led by Executive Director Amb. Moses Abolade and Programme Assistant Jonathan Saba, visited Minna, Niger State, on April 9, 2025, to participate in the ongoing Peace Education Workshop organized by the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies (AAIPSDS). LinkedIn Upon arrival, the PEPNET team was warmly received by AAIPSDS representatives, including Programme Manager David Kemedubei, Partnerships, Advocacy & Grant Officer Elijah Akinola Earnest, and Research, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Joseph Shiru. A dinner meeting that evening provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss potential long-term partnerships aimed at strengthening peace infrastructures across Niger State. On April 10, 2025, Amb. Abolade facilitated a session introducing approximately 50 secondary school teachers to strategies for establishing peace clubs in schools. The session covered key areas such as understanding the educators’ role in peacebuilding, engaging diverse school contexts, effective conflict management strategies, and methods for monitoring and evaluating peace education activities.  The training was impactful, with participants expressing appreciation for the practical knowledge shared. A representative from the Niger State Ministry of Education attended on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, commending the quality of the training and expressing interest in future collaborations. This engagement also marks the beginning of a promising partnership between PEPNET and the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies (AAIPSDS). Both organizations are committed to working collaboratively to address the challenges of student violence that have led to the closure of some schools in Niger State. Through strategic interventions and the establishment of peace education initiatives, we aim to create an environment conducive to reopening these schools and fostering a culture of peace. PEPNET is enthusiastic about collaborating with AAIPSDS on subsequent phases of the peace education programme, with the shared goal of transforming conflict situations and promoting sustainable peace across the state. This engagement reinforces PEPNET’s commitment to expanding access to peace education and nurturing young peacebuilders through education and advocacy. As Amb. Abolade stated during his session, “With our collaborative mindset, we will break the cycle of student violence in Minna, Niger State, and throughout the nation.” ​ PEPNET remains dedicated to creatively teaching peace for development.

On April 3, 2025, Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Abuja office of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria. The PEPNET delegation was led by the Executive Director, Amb. Moses Abolade, alongside team members Saba Jonathan (Programme Assistant 2) and Joy Obadiah (Administrative Secretary). The meeting was warmly received by the WANEP Nigeria team, which included Mr. Manji Danjuma (Head of Party and Early Warning and Early Response Advisor), Emmanuel (Monitoring & Evaluation Officer), Sarah (Communication & Media Specialist), and Mrs. Patience Obaulo (Head of Programmes), who joined the conversation virtually from Lagos. The discussions centred on PEPNET’s upcoming Peace Education and Management Training (PEMAT) and explored opportunities for collaboration. Other key programs featured in the conversation included the Peace Education for Secondary Schools (PESS) Programme and the Peace Education and Practice Conference (PEPCON); all forming part of PEPNET’s broader 2025 Strategic Plan. This engagement provided a deeper understanding of PEMAT’s objectives and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organizations to work together in advancing peace education. While the partnership on PEMAT is set to begin in the short term, both parties expressed interest in pursuing further joint initiatives in the long term. PEPNET expresses deep appreciation to WANEP Nigeria for the warm reception and engaging dialogue. We also thank our Board Members, Management Team, Volunteers, and Community Members for their unwavering support in making this partnership possible. As we continue to foster collaboration and innovation in peacebuilding, we remain committed to our mission of building a world of peaceful individuals through peace education and practice.

The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET) successfully hosted the December edition of its flagship initiative, Peace Lovers Connect (PLC), at the ANA Conference Room, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in Mpape, Abuja. Themed “Peace in Action: Understanding and Overcoming Inequalities,” the event attracted over 23 participants, including volunteers and members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). This month’s gathering stood out for its focus on addressing societal inequalities through peacebuilding, with an emphasis on gender-based violence and other pressing challenges. The event featured film screenings, reflective discussions, and collaborative brainstorming sessions aimed at equipping attendees with actionable insights for driving positive change in their communities. The event began with the Nigerian National Anthem, followed by an inspiring opening address from PEPNET’s Executive Director, Moses Abolade. In his remarks, Abolade highlighted PEPNET’s achievements since its inception in 2018, including impactful initiatives such as the Peace Education Training Manual (PETMANUAL) and the Peace Zone on TV. “PLC is more than a meeting; it’s a movement. It’s a space where peace enthusiasts come together to share ideas, reflect, and collaborate on ways to build a more equitable and peaceful society,” Abolade said. The President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo, was represented by Mr. Hussein Zaguru, who delivered a goodwill message. He lauded PEPNET’s commitment to peacebuilding and pledged ANA’s continued support for PLC, describing the initiative as a powerful tool for fostering education and peace advocacy in Nigeria and beyond. One of the highlights of the event was the screening of the critically acclaimed film, A Girl from Mogadishu. The film delves into the harrowing realities of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM). Attendees were encouraged to reflect on the film’s key themes during a mid-screening pause, fostering an engaging and participatory atmosphere. After the screening, participants shared their insights and proposed actionable steps to amplify advocacy against gender-based violence. The discussions emphasized the need for grassroots initiatives, community education, and policy advocacy to address these issues effectively. The event’s atmosphere was further enriched by the camaraderie and networking opportunities provided to participants. Refreshments, including popcorn and zobo, created a relaxed setting for attendees to form meaningful connections. Group photographs captured the essence of the gathering, and participants shared heartfelt testimonies about the impact of the discussions on their perspectives and plans for community action. One attendee remarked, “This platform has inspired me to take immediate action in my community. The stories and ideas shared here today have motivated me to stand against gender-based violence in tangible ways.” The December edition of PLC was made possible by the generosity of donors and supporters. The December edition of PLC closed with a one-minute interfaith silent prayer and a collective blessing: “May peace be upon the earth and us all.” Participants left inspired and committed to advancing peacebuilding efforts in their communities. The discussions underscored the importance of scaling PLC’s impact to underserved communities, incorporating local languages and grassroots strategies to ensure inclusivity. As PLC continues its monthly gatherings, PEPNET remains steadfast in its mission to foster peace education, empower individuals, and nurture a growing network of peace advocates. For more information about Peace Lovers Connect or to support PEPNET’s initiatives, visit www.thepepnet.org or email ppepnet@gmail.com. Together, let’s make peace more than a goal; it’s a way of life.