Kathlyn Stone -- World News Trust
Dec. 23, 2006 -- At the end of December Hindolo Pokawa, 30, a native of Sierra Leone, will return from the United States to his home country to research the role of “blood diamonds” in the 10-year civil war that brutalized the nation.
The war is depicted in the new movie with the same name and starring Leonardo DiCaprico. Blood diamonds refer to diamonds that are mined to finance a war or rebellion.
The civil war financed by diamonds in Sierra Leone rivaled the conflicts in Rwanda and Cambodia for its brutality; atrocities against children included amputations and forced military recruitment. A half million citizens were displaced and thousands killed. A young boy during the war, Pokawa was tortured and witnessed the murder of his aunt. He returns to Sierra Leone as an international peacemaker and a student of peace and justice.
A refugee from the war, Pokawa came to Minnesota in 2000 and began volunteering with Nonviolent Peaceforce, an international consortium of 90 organizations that sends trained, professional peacekeepers to regions in violent conflict. Today he is a member of Nonviolent Peaceforce’s international governing council, heads up a youth initiative, and has trained youth in many parts of the world in peacekeeping methods.
“Hindolo is one of the most committed people to peace and justice I know,” says Mel Duncan, executive director and co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce. “He has also been one of the leaders in the growth and development of NP. Last summer he helped Nonviolent Peaceforce organize a nonviolent training for youth in north Minneapolis.”
Pokawa is pursuing a master’s degree in Liberal Studies at the University of Minnesota and keeping his eye on his goal: creating a network of youth around the world who are committed to building peace and strong relationships. The Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation recently awarded him a scholarship to recognize his efforts. “I’m confident that my life experience and practical training will prepare me for a future working toward peace and justice.”
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Kathlyn Stone is a Twin Cities, Minnesota-based writer covering science, health policy, the economy and international relations for general and professional audiences. She writes for neurology publications and independent media including World News Trust, Twin Cities Daily Planet, OpEdNews, Electronic Iraq, and The Pulse.
