Celia Turkett

Location: Liberia

Level of Training:

(Level I – 2014)

(Level II – 2015)

About: 

I have served as a program Manager for five organizations including: Lutheran World Service (LWF), African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) Liberia, ANPPCAN Regional office in Nairobi Kenya, AID for the Needy Development Program (ANDP) and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).At the moment, I am serving as an Associate Program Officer of the Conduct and Discipline Team, United Nations Mission in Liberia. One of the key reasons why I need to attend this training is to acquire skills in handling cases regarding misconduct issues. I am interested in understanding the origin of conflict and violence, types of violence and resolution of violence. I also want to learn how I can positively engage individuals or organization in settling violent situation.

Contact Information: turkett@un.org

Message from Celia to the Center July 30, 2014:

Dear Paul and Kay,

Greetings from Liberia.  My two weeks stay at URI was amongst the best part of my entire years of existence. I recalled the activities vividly in my mind and am still living within those sweet memories.  I enjoyed the training sessions, the discussions, the mini talks we shared, the videos presentations, the food (LoL) and everything that was done to make the training a unique one.

One event that have left an indelible print on my mind was when Paul announced my birthday during the evening of the program with Dr. Bernard LaFayette, his wife and members of the community;  I was “taken off my feet”, amazed with surprise in a good way. When everyone came around me and gave me big hugs I felt like I was in a world of happiness and realized that it was a dream come true and never wanted that dream to come to an end. Indeed I felt the warmth of the beloved community being demonstrated in my life. I shall never forget that experience as long as I live.

As a child, I lived with my step mother and my father. They were not keen in celebrating my birthday- How I wish that my birthday was celebrated. Other kids around me,  birthdays were celebrated but not mine. I grew up and didn’t know the feelings that birthday celebration brings until that day-June 9 2014. Words are inadequate to express how much I appreciate your kindness and for providing me the happiness that I never had as a child. Thank you Paul, thank you Kay, thank you.

I set foot in Liberia running with the Kingian Nonviolence training. The first group of people that I trained were colleagues from my Unit within the UN. Eight (8) persons were  in attendance. The training was so good and they appreciated highly. Since the training they have changed my name to Celia Nonviolent- hehehehehehe – imagine that?  Whenever anything goes wrong in the office, Someone would shout-call out the nonviolent lady! There is a guy in my office who is always having fights with other colleagues- he came to office two days ago and said “ Celia, I am becoming nonviolent now I am trying to address issues in a nonviolent form and manner” – I feel so happy that I could do what I can in my little corner. I am also trying to schedule another training for some group of  youths that I am working with. I will keep you updated on developments.

Once again, Thanks a million- you will always remain in my heart and world.