We are extremely pleased to announce the launch of the Peace Appeal Foundation’s Peace Changemakers Fellowship.
For the last 15 years, the Peace Appeal has been privileged to recruit and work with extraordinary young peacemakers, whose skills, insights, empathy and dedication have greatly enhanced the peace processes we have supported. These women and men continue to distinguish themselves as they progress in their careers. Several are still working diligently in their own countries peace efforts, while others have gone on to work within the United Nations system, or with respected international non-governmental organizations supporting peacebuilding across several continents.
In recognition of their contributions, we are pleased to dedicate this fellowship, that will provide financial support, mentoring and other assistance to the recipients. The fellowship will continue the Peace Appeal’s tradition of supporting and mentoring young peacemakers and build a growing circle of remarkable change agents working in peace and conflict resolution globally.The 2015 Fellowship will be awarded to Singmila Shimrah to support he work with the Naga ethnic groups participation in the Myanmar/Burma peace process.
(The Nagas, an ethnic community affiliated with several dozen tribes, live in a largely mountainous region straddling both Northeast India and Myanmar/Burma.) Singmila is a remarkable Naga woman who returned in 2014 to the region of her birth after pursuing graduate studies in conflict resolution in the United States. With support from the Peace Appeal and our partners, Singmila will travel extensively throughout Myanmar’s Naga areas to assist local communities and their leaders as they prepare for full participation in the regional and national ceasefire negotiations and political dialogue.