Participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire at the end of Module 1. Here are some brief comments from the participants. A final evaluation report will be completed at the end of the project. The final report will be posted on the website and made available to the general public for their interest and comment.
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PARTICIPANTS COMMENTS (Module 1)
“I learnt about the qualities which define a good leader, and by explaining the actions of famous nonviolent peace building leaders such as Gandhi, I have discovered certain techniques and practices which show leadership” (PARTICIPANT) “I feel more empowered to understand people from other faiths as well as excited to learn about nonviolence, love for self and others and love for God from their traditions. The greatest outcome has been the friendships developed with people from other faiths here.” (PARTICIPANT) “Any religion, when applied, is about peace making”. (PARTICIPANT) “It was freeing and liberating to find out that we are all pursuing the same thing…a peaceful world. And how it is even more powerful and special when we do it together” (PARTICIPANT) “Helped me in having an open minded approach to not only other faiths and cultures but towards my life as well. In that being said I sense there is hope for change within our community.” (PARTICIPANT) “I came here being a victim of violence all my life. My country and as part of a minority I have always been the target of violence. Coming here I’ve realized nonviolence is a sign of power not weakness. Power within and not lack of force when people do something to me. It has been part of my destiny to be here” (Participant) “It transformed my idea of community. I now believe that those with differing faith backgrounds can get along and achieve peace if they have a commitment to nonviolence.” (Participant) “I will now feel responsible that I have to help those who have violent ideologies to attain a balance between the light and dark shadow.” (Participant) “I am a totally different person from who I was 5 days ago” (PARTICIPANT) “As we learned: ‘what we will not process within ourselves, we will project onto someone else’. I will start dealing with my complexities and shadow non-violently and am so ready to be open to criticism and will to keep learning more deeply about nonviolent living. Yes, I am so gonna keep the courage up to break away from the deep rooted thousands of years of old norms by spreading awareness, knowledge and light into Muslim communities and Western friends.” (PARTICIPANT) “Thinking about my personal project has helped me develop a clear picture of the next steps to take in regards to nonviolent leadership and promoting peace among my friends and networks.” (PARTICIPANT)