USAID funds Non-violent skills training for Trinco youths

[TamilNet, Saturday, 24 April 2004, 18:07 GMT]
A training programme on Non-violent Communication Skills for Youths was inaugurated Saturday in the Trincomalee campus of the Eastern University with the financial support of the USAID. Ms Brenda Barret, Regional Programme Officer of the USAID in Trincomalee district was the chief guest at the occasion, sources said.

A student following the training seen lighting the traditional oil lamp at the inaugural event. Trincomalee campus Rector Rev Dr.C.P.Rajendram is also seen

Trincomalee campus of the Eastern University organized the programme in collaboration with the Centre for Nonviolent Communication (CNC). The CNC is an international training organization providing powerful and practical communication training to resolve conflicts productively and harmoniously, sources said.

“No development in any sphere could take place in the country without peace," said Rev.Dr.C.P.Rajendram, Rector of the Trincomalee Campus of the Eastern University in his welcome address at the occasion.

Participants of the training programme are youths of the Trincomalee Campus of the Eastern University and selected youths from schools in Trincomalee, Muttur and Kinniya divisions. Training will be provided through eighteen workshops in a variety of formats, ranging from brief introductions to advanced skill training. Teaching staff, campus sources said.

Campus lecturer Mr. V.J.Naveenraj made the introductory speech and Ms Achala Abeykoon proposed vote of thanks.

According to the organizers, nonviolent communication training strengthens the ability to express values clearly and introduce change so as to minimize resistance. The training also develops skills to understand messages of others even when they are expressed in a hostile manner, enlist co-operationwhile introducing change, identify accurately the needs of clients, patients, employees and customers, mediate intergroup conflicts and create mutual understanding among people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

First batch of students attending the training programme on the inaugural day

Training programme resource persons are seen with the Eastern University Trincomalee campus Rector Rev.Dr. Rajendram ( 2nd from left) and Ms Brenda Barret, Regional Programme Manager of the USAID in Trincomalee ( 3rd from left)

Mr.Naveenraj of the Trincomalee campus speaking at the event



The organizers said that Nonviolent communication training is based on the following premises:

• Honesty is more constructive when we can clearly express what is going on within ourselves without criticizing, judging, or attacking others
• To assert our values powerfully does not need to involve coercing others
• People naturally enjoy contributing to the well being of others when they can do so willingly.