YSP Inauguration #Dominican Republic

Youth and Students for Peace (YSP) has now officially launch in the Dominican Republic. On November 30, 2018, YSP was inaugurated at Auditorio Manuel Del Cabral, Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) with the theme, “The Role of Youth and Students in Creating a Culture of Sustainable Peace.”  Five schools and two universities participated in the program with a total of two hundred eighty students, youth leaders and professors from different cities. The youth showcased their talent in dance and singing performances. Professor Reyes, one of the professors of Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) welcomed the congregation.

The program was divided into three parts. The first part was the Pure Love Lecture given by Mrs. Francisca, Lecturer of Women’s Federation for World Peace. She gave a compelling lecture to the participants about the importance of purity and the true meaning of marriage. A Pure Love Pledge was held at the end of Francisca’s talk – a public pledge where youth promise to keep their purity and be filial sons and daughters of the country.

The speeches of the youth representatives from university student councils and other organizations comprised the second part of the program. Mr. Rafelito, President of the Student Council of UASD; and Mr. Tomoki, a Youth Representative from Japan; gave the opening remarks. They both emphasized the importance of youth and students for creating ideal families and a peaceful nation. Youth were able to understand peace by showing their affirmative reactions to the speakers. At the end of the program, five youth presidents from different organizations received “Youth Ambassador for Peace” awards for their continued support in promoting peace.

Lastly, the appointment of Mr. Jake Lavina, Special Youth Envoy to the Dominican Republic, as President of Youth and Students for Peace was awarded by Mr. Leonidas Belliard. Mr. Belliard conveyed an inaugural address about the responsibility of youth in creating a culture of sustainable peace by explaining four kinds of love. He emphasized that youth must cultivate two kinds of love: children’s and sibling’s love.

The signing of a YSP resolution led by all VIP’s closed out the program and a commemorative photo was taken.