Cultivating the language of peace
It comes not by finding the correct answer, but by seeing people deeply for who they are.
This week we’re highlighting two people whose vocations ask them to cultivate communication, friendship, and success for people of very different linguistic, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. Fiston Mwesige, founder and Executive director of Umoja Generation, shares how he helps build bonds among refugee youth in Utah. Emily White, an English language educator, shares how she has helped english language learners from different cultures understand each other.
Fiston Mwesige: seeing people’s potential
Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Fiston founded Umoja Generation based on his personal education experience to support refugee students. He is a graduate of University of Utah’s International Studies program and has been recognized by both Youthlinc and the United Nations as leader. He is currently involved in peace talks and advocating for peace and justice of the victims of conflict in the Eastern Republic Democratic of Congo.
What is Umoja Generation? What sets it apart?
Umoja Generation (UG) means Unity in Swahili. The organization aims to help refugee students and families who resettle in Utah with their education, facilitate their integration and achieve success in the new country they now call home. The most important fact that sets UG apart is using success for all as a tool to bridge different backgrounds and create a diverse supportive system.
Umoja Generation aims to help refugee youth be a good role model to peers and siblings. What does that mean in practice?
Our secrets include helping individuals realize their potential and fairness in providing services and participant testimonials reflect that. Often, we get students from countries that are not on good terms with each other but after participating in our program they always bond and become best friends.
How do your programs and gatherings get individuals of different ethnic & linguistic backgrounds to walk away as friends?
Three values guide us: 1) gathering around common interests, 2) focusing on individual needs, and 3) supporting individual potential. No matter the individual differences these three values center our humanity and bring people from different backgrounds together. Basketball, education and other activities are our common interest allowing us to provide services to meet individual needs, and ultimately resulting in the growth of individuals. People come with their differences but walk away as friends and brothers at the end.
What advice do you have for aspiring peacemakers?
One of my peacemaker role models is Jesus Christ. But as human being it can be so hard, particularly in cases like genocide. Imagine being a refugee and trying to forgive someone who killed your entire family?
The most important thing as a peacemaker; is to start by creating spaces where each individual can express themselves freely without fear and find a common ground to work and live together in harmony. Be willing to provide tools to help someone heal either through justice or other means. Once they start sharing, it’s easier to see someone’s humanity. It’s okay to disagree, have different political opinions but not to hate each other.
As peacemakers, be an example to others. The question I would ask is what have I done in my life that can inspire others to do the same?
Emily White: cultivating the language of peace
Emily White is an English Language educator who builds peace bridges one conversation at a time. Emily loves collecting small shells, tiny art, and big ideas.
In your recent Wayfare piece, you talk about how the language of peace allows you to communicate with other people beyond simply words. This begs the question--what does it mean to communicate with someone?
Communication is connection. We crave face-to-face conversations that spark all of our senses. Many multilingual learners are highly attuned to the art of non-verbal language that includes tone of voice, body language, proximity, and eye contact. While these sociolinguistics skills vary across cultures, eye contact is universal key to connection in our digitally-dominant world. The next time a child, spouse or co-worker approaches you, consider putting your phone down and looking up to hear what people aren’t saying and to convey that people matter more than things.
How does your understanding of the gospel shape how you show up to people from different cultural backgrounds, or who speak different languages?
We all inherited divine DNA from Celestial Parents with an infinite capacity to learn. Teaching with English Language learners is like a daily dive in the “coral reef of humanity.” During a class discussion about our favorite foods, three Muslim students struggled to explain the purpose of halal practices for slaughtering chickens. A woman from South Korean shuddered at the graphic details. To diffuse tension, I asked the students if I could offer my perspective and they seemed relieved. I suggested that halal methods are humane and reduce the suffering of the animal because most Muslims honor the sanctity of life. One learner from Iran graciously bowed his head toward me and I sensed that he felt respected for his faith practices.
What typically trips people up when they bump into a language barrier, and what tips or advice do you have for how to get past it?
Language learners face barriers in understanding others. A key phrase we practice to elicit more information and cultivate curiosity is “Tell me more…” Multilingual learners also face tremendous financial, geopolitical, social, and cultural hurdles. Yet, the stories we tell ourselves and the stories others tell about us are the biggest barrier to our success. Our internal narrative can shape how we see ourselves and the outcomes we reach. To build belonging and resilience, we can share stories to foster empathy, practice self-compassion to learn from mistakes, challenge stereotypes and embrace human dignity.
Have you ever fumbled in your work as a peacemaker or as a communicator? How so? How do you respond when this happens, and get the will to keep trying?
The hardest peacemaking is with the people closest to me. Last year, we planned an Easter outing with our 4 kids. After 5 hours of quality time together, our nerves were fraying. Two kids started criticizing each other. To “keep the peace”, I called out one child for belittling her sibling. Everyone went silent. When my emotional flood evaporated, I realized I was part of the conflict spiral. I tearfully apologized to my daughter. She graciously forgave me. David Pulsipher defined peace as “conflict that has been transformed by love.” This is everyday Easter. The Prince of Peace gives us power to transform conflict through His love (Moroni 7:48).
Submit to Peacemakers Needed
Have you ever had a peacemaking fumble? What did you learn? Let us know!
Recommend a person or an organization for our Peacemaker Spotlight.
Spread the word about a peacemaking program or initiative.
Excellent article. And so pertinent in today’s political discussions. Thank you!