The Jos Repertory Theatre’s Beautiful Camp has received renewed support from Czech Aid under the Transition project of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project, which has expanded to include 30 participants from all geo-political zones of Nigeria, aims to promote equality, non-discrimination and equal public and political participation in public affairs.
The Beautiful Camp 2 project will use the arts to drive democratic culture, respect for human rights and the rule of law, while promoting the well-being of society.
According to Dr. Patrick-Jude Oteh, the camp convener and artistic director of the Jos-based theatre organisation, the project will offer participating youths a positive and alternative future to dream and hope for, without necessarily having to leave Nigeria.
The camp will feature seminars, discussions and conversations based on mutually respectful and beneficial exchanges amongst participants. It will also involve active citizenship games and situations, developing participants’ ability to evaluate information critically and form their own views.
The goal of Beautiful Camp 2 is to show how important the voice of youths is and support them in articulating that voice.
The project is built on the idea that freedoms of thought and expression are essential to human dignity, which is part of the foundation on which democracy, rule of law, and public participation are built. Beautiful Camp 2 will embody these ideals, including sharing ideas and experiences on freedom of expression and thought, conscience and religion, education, and transition promotion policy.
The Jos Repertory Theatre will work in collaboration with the Czech Embassy in Abuja to realise the ideals of Beautiful Camp 2. The project is supported by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Czech Aid under the aims of its Transition programme. With this renewed support, Beautiful Camp 2 is set to make a significant impact in promoting youth empowerment and democratic values in Nigeria.
