FoRB Teens Connect Program in Plateau State Fosters Religious Tolerance Among High School Students

In a bid to promote freedom of religion and belief among the teens, Total Stage2Screen Media, in partnership with Empower Women Media, held a Teens Connect program on November 8, 2024, at the Total Stage2Screen Media Center in Jos, Plateau State. The program brought together students from Prestige International School, Al-Burhan Academy, and Sacred Heart Scholars, emphasizing the importance of unity and religious tolerance in a diverse society.

The initiative, titled ‘Plateau FoRB Teens Connect’ aimed to instill values of tolerance and understanding among students of different faiths in Plateau State, a region historically challenged by religious tensions. Through discussions, film screenings, and interactive sessions, the students were encouraged to embrace religious diversity and coexist peacefully.

Mrs. Alice Jumoke Laka-Fashakin, Executive Director of Total Stage2Screen Media, highlighted the importance of instilling these values early on. “We realized that working only with adults often means we’re already set in our beliefs,” she said. “By educating teenagers, we hope to create a generation that respects freedom of religion and belief. Plateau has experienced religious crises over the years, and we believe that equipping the younger generation with understanding can help curb future conflicts.”

A short film, ‘The Remedy’ produced by Total Stage2Screen, was shown to illustrate the power of mutual support across religious lines. The film tells the story of two young girls, one Christian and one Muslim, who form a bond despite their families’ religious differences. In a moment of crisis, they help each other, showing that unity can transcend faith.

After the film, students joined a panel discussion with representatives from Christian and Muslim communities, as well as a human rights advocate. They explored religious texts, legal rights, and the role of peaceful coexistence, with a focus on the Nigerian Constitution and the UN’s Article 18 on freedom of belief.

Empower Women Media’s youth advocate in Nigeria, Patience Luka Danjuma, expressed the goal of teaching young people the value of peace and tolerance. “Many of these students have witnessed or been affected by religious conflicts,” she said. “This program helps them to live peacefully with others of different beliefs and backgrounds.”

Miss Sharon Pwajok, an investigator from the Human Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of early education in shaping society. “When young people learn to coexist peacefully and respect each other’s beliefs, it has a lasting impact as they grow, reducing conflicts in schools and communities.”

Other panelists included Muyiwa Fashakin, a life coach and founder of the School of Creativity Nigeria, and Hajiya Kaltumi Awalu Abubakar, Chairperson of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN). Both spoke on the importance of unity, noting that religious differences should not overshadow the fact that everyone is human first.

Students also participated in interactive sessions where they had candid conversations about their beliefs and shared questions about each other’s faiths. Organizers hope that through these connections, Christian and Muslim students can foster lasting friendships and mutual respect.

The program ended with a symbolic “ambassadorial dressing,” where each participant received a badge as a Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) ambassador, reminding them to champion peace and unity.

Mildred Simi Gyang, a FoRB fellow and social entrepreneur, noted that the program was a success. “Initially, there was hesitation, but by the end, the students were interacting freely and building friendships. We believe this program can make a lasting impact.”

The Plateau FoRB Teens Connect initiative is expected to expand, with plans to involve more schools in the Jos area to promote greater understanding and unity across religious lines.