Week 54: "United Nations Peace Keepers"

“Peacekeeping, as defined by the United Nations, is a way to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for sustainable peace.  UN peacekeepers-soldiers and military officers, police officers and civilian personnel from many countries-monitor and observe peace processes that emerge in post-conflict situations and assist ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements they have signed. Such assistance comes in many forms, including confidence-building measures, power sharing arrangements, electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and economic and social development.”

As a result of teaching the police English class we have met some outstanding young men and woman from the community.  We were told that one year here in Solo there might be 25,000 applicants (yes, 25,000)  for 100 police positions. The large number of applicants is a result of “anyone” can apply.  Just imagine the 100 who are selected … think about the many outstanding ways in which they must distinguished themselves from the mass numbers.

Recently after English class we spent a few hours in a local cafe learning from two of these young policemen.  They were each selected from the police to be included in an elite group of highly trained “peacekeepers” from Indonesia.  One has served for one year in Afghanistan and one leaves in May for Sudan in North Africa.

We are so lucky to have such amazing learning experiences and meeting such interesting people who give so much and sacrifice to make the world a better and safer place to live!