Everyday Gandhis is proud to be working with the Liberian Government to formulate a national plan of healing. They are creating a new program-The FUTURE GUARDIANS OF PEACE. Their approach of working deeply within the framework of traditional culture is distinct from the approach of most conventional NGO’s and aid organizations and has recently attracted the interest of other communities and peacebuilding professionals.

ART OF PEACE interviews the Christian Bethelson and Sawo about their work with youth affected by war.

SAWO (J. Flomo Sawo), is the Liberia Program Coordinator . He comes from a family of traditional Healers. Sawo and his brother, Bazzie are deeply traditional Lorma men. Their father was Voinjama's Paramount Chief. Soon after the civil war came to Liberia, their father died, but continued to guide them through dreams, with specific instructions on when to travel, what route to take, when to lock or unlock the door, etc.
Sawo received both traditional and Western education, graduating from ‘bush school’ and also earning a degree in agricultural science from Cuttington University. He taught high school until joining everyday gandhis in 2003. Sawo is currently our Program Director in Liberia.
Sawo works closely with traditional healers, dreamers and elders to closely follow rigorous traditional peacemaking practices, working with dreams, divinations and, when necessary, traveling village to village and into the bush carrying messages of peace and reconciliation. He also works closely with local government and colleagues in other communities.
Thanks to Sawo’s expertise and dedication, everyday gandhis’ work has earned the respect and trust of the local community and government officials alike.

Christian Bethelson, is Field Supervisor for Youth Programs. Bethelson born Mohammed Fofana, is of Mandingo heritage. He spent 27 years in the Liberian National Army. As a young man, he enlisted in the military and devoted his life to it because he was in search of initiation and a way to be of service to his country, just as many young people are drawn into the military today. During that time he received anti-terrorism training in Israel, Romania and Libya, and was chosen as one of President Samuel Doe's personal body guards. When Charles Taylor took over after Doe’s death, Bethelson was imprisoned and tortured. This was part of what pushed him to become active as a LURD (rebel faction) commanding officer, where he fought under the name of General Leopard.
Bethelson met Bill Saa and the egp team in September, 2005, at a time when he was contemplating leaving Liberia. Through telling his story and learning of the work of egp, Bethelson discovered his own passion for peacemaking.
Bethelson continues to mentor and encourage former child soldiers and war-affected youth to become future guardians of peace.

FUTURE GUARDIANS OF PEACE's purpose is assisting former child soldiers, other ex-combatants, and war-affected youth in becoming contributing members of the community and role models for future generations.

Future Guardians of Peace will engage in, but not be limited to, the following activities and programs so that participants will see themselves and be recognized as leaders in safeguarding peace for the future.

* trauma healing for victims and perpetrators of violence
* scholarships for participants who maintain a high level of good behavior and academic achievement
* training in sustainable agriculture, photography, journalism, traditional culture (music, dance, arts), ecological restoration, peacebuilding, healthy relationships and leadership
* small business loans and micro-credit