Charles Crawford, S-CAR Certificate and MS Program
Charles Crawford is part of the new cohort of Masters students, admitted to S-CAR in the spring of 2014. Charles is also currently enrolled in the S-CAR certificate program where he is mainly focusing on the evaluation of conflict resolution programs as well as problem solving workshops. As he said “I believe that receiving diplomas in both categories [certificate and masters] at S-CAR would strengthen my theory, research and practice background.” Charles is originally from the West African nation Liberia, where he experienced over 14 years of civil war. “No one should experience any type of war the way I did in Liberia. The whole experience robbed me of my youth, my education as well as my dignity.” Charles is very grateful that he did not lose his life like many of his friends and family did during the conflict and he is determined to channel his energies into being an ambassador to promote non-violent concepts in conflict resolution. As he noted, “sometimes when I realize that individuals are hell bent on pursuing violence as a way of conflict resolution, I get incensed. I immediately point them to my home [Liberia] and show them the scars that will take a few generations to heal.”
After S-CAR, Charles would like to return to Liberia and help his country in its efforts to build and strengthen their peacebuilding programs. Although a lot of work and people are already involved in this process, Charles still believes that many more people are needed. “The intensity of the conflict took most of us by surprise. It is only with the ‘all hands on deck’ maxim, that a more stable and durable Liberia would be realized.”
Reprinted - http://newsdesk.gmu.edu/2014/09/ravages-civil-war-inspires-dream-peace/?...