By LAUREN WOLMAN Special to the Daily Press
Thirty teenagers will now head into the world as peacemakers.
The teens graduated from The Peacemaker Corps Association workshop Thursday, where they were trained in conflict resolution, violence prevention strategies, community building and anger management.
Oscar de la Torre, head of the Pico Youth Center, said that he looks forward to working with them to create peace, unity and social justice.
“If all the leaders who lead the nation would learn what you learned, it would be better for humanity and the world,” he said.
Other community leaders, including Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom, also attended the graduation.
Jennifer Rivera, a participant in the program, said the information from the workshop was invaluable.
“The program is so important because it helps people get along and gives them easier ways to solve problems and conflicts,” she said.
Carole Krechman, president of The Peacemaker Corps Association, said that the participants will now have the opportunity to work as pier ambassadors at the Santa Monica Pier.
Ben Franz-Knight, Pier Restoration Corp. executive director, said their job will be to help visitors find their way around the pier so they will be able to practice what they have learned.
Omar Tapia, another participant, said that he now feels he has the ability to teach others the skills he learned from the program.
“I have been well trained and feel prepared,” he said. See LAWSUIT, page 7
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 11, 2003. Read the original PDF.