Belper & Duffield Rotary Hosts Inspiring 'Peace Meal' Event with Guest Speaker Ifenla Oligbinde
Belper & Duffield Rotary recently organized a memorable 'Peace Meal' gathering, featuring guest speaker Ifenla Oligbinde, a Yoruba-speaking Nigerian lawyer and Rotary Peace Fellow. Ifenla is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Peace, Conflict and Development at the University of Bradford, highlighting her dedication to global harmony.
Event Highlights and Attendees
More than 50 people attended the event, including distinguished guests such as Belper Town Mayor, Councillor Carol Angharad, along with family and friends. The evening was enriched by a traditional meal of borscht, a sour soup made with meat stock, vegetables, and seasonings common in Ukraine, symbolizing cultural unity and peace.
The meal was expertly prepared by Kateryna, a Ukrainian refugee now residing in Belper, showcasing the community's support for displaced individuals. Attendees also received origami 'peace doves' crafted by Rotary member Dave Ashley, adding a creative touch to the event's theme of peace and solidarity.
Ifenla Oligbinde's Presentation and Rotary Peace Fellowship
In her presentation titled 'Seeds of Peace: Growth Metaphors for Conflict Resolution,' Ifenla used powerful metaphors of seeding, planting, watering, and pruning to illustrate effective strategies for conflict resolution. She emphasized that deliberate acts of care and nurturing, similar to tending plants, can reduce conflicts and foster peace in communities.
Ifenla's studies are funded by the Rotary Peace Fellowship, an academic program that selects up to 130 global leaders annually. This fellowship supports master's degrees or professional development certificates in peace and development at seven prestigious universities worldwide, underscoring Rotary's commitment to promoting global understanding and cooperation.
Community Impact and Reflection
The event was hosted by Rotarian David Walker, who welcomed Ukrainian refugees now living in Belper, including Kateryna, the borscht cook. The evening proved to be both enjoyable and thought-provoking, with Ifenla leaving attendees with a poignant question: 'What seed of peace can you sow this week?' This encouraged personal reflection and action towards building a more harmonious society.
Overall, the 'Peace Meal' served as a powerful example of how local initiatives can bridge cultural divides and inspire positive change, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in peacebuilding efforts.
