MY FIRST TRAINING IN NONVIOLENCE

Anju Dangol, BASW 3rd year

I was very excited when Saurav sir asked me if I was interested to participate in introductory training on Kingian nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation.

'Yes!' I replied.

On 11th January before going to Bistachhap, I was introduced with Paul and Amy our trainers. They were from United State America and Canada respectively. Dr. Paul Bueno de Mesquita was going to be a trainer. He is Director for Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies in University of Rhode Island and Professor of Peace Studies. The training was managed by Social Work for Development (SWD) and COCAP. 

They were very friendly. But I felt some difficulties as well as uncomfortable while interacting with them. It is because my command in English language is satisfactory. After some hours, I went to COCAP where I met people who were going to participate in the training. I felt very nervous as most of them were unfamiliar to me and they all seem senior than me. In the evening we took a bus to Bistachhap, where SPW resource center was welcoming all of us.

Anuja ma'am and I were placed in the room with our trainee Amy. I don't felt any difficulties in sharing the room as we were familiar with each other.
 
ABOUT THE TRAINING SESSION

The three days camp at SPW resource center, Bistachhap was a good source of knowledge with regard to nonviolence propound by Dr.Martin Luther King. During these three days, I got to know about Dr.King, his life story, the steps and principles propounded by him. Learning the principle was most interesting thing as I don't had any idea regarding it before. After learning the Principles, I felt it would be very good if one can implement it in their life. It will be very helpful for one's life. It teaches that one should be calm, and should be able to continue the task s/he is doing in order to achieve success because victory is always on the side of the truth. One should attack the forces of evil not the person doing evil. These were the principles I like the most.

In the session, we also did many exercises from the book provided. In which we test our own nature and behavior. Result of mine showed that I have more accommodating, collaborating and less competitive nature. During the session several group works were organized because of which the training went smoothly.

Everyone seem excited and enjoying the training. Active participation was found. After the group work, one of the group members has to give presentation. To fulfill the requirement, I gave the presentation twice. I was very nervous at that time but I gathered my courage and gave presentation. I felt very happy after that being able to conquer my nervousness.

On the second day of the training, six group were formed and question-answer round was organized regarding the principles where one group had to answer the questions from another group. This time I was very nervous as I had less idea regarding that. I felt like crying and missed my home a lot. But after few minutes, I just took deep breath and faced the situation. The segment went good. It was not bad as I had thought before.

Documentary was also shown where black people were fighting for their rights. I was very touched by it. Black people were humiliated by white people but they continue their protest nonviolently and lastly they got their rights. During this documentary my eyes filled with tears.
 
ABOUT CO-TRAINEES

Most of the trainee was teachers whom I met during the formal classes so in this training I got to see another side of them i.e. jolly behavior. I thought they were very strict but they were very friendly and enjoying a lot. It was like a vacation to them as they were always busy in their work in other days.

In free time when I hear other trainee talking about different things or issue, I felt so blank as if I am a kid and know nothing. It may be because they are senior than me and had lot of experience. 
 
ABOUT THE TRAINERS

The trainers were very energetic. So, the programs and presentation were very good. I don't felt bore in the training session. Session was interactive which made training interesting. They conducted more group works so session did not become monotonous. 

Both the trainers like the place, environment and weather. Thank God we were in Bistachhap because if we were in Kathmandu then I think they won't like it because of noise, pollutions, and busy streets. Hearing that they like Nepal, I felt very happy and proud.