Tell us something about yourself.

I’m Ate Jane, the Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Consultant and Peace Mission Council Member, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement. I am passionate about Islamic mental health and peace education in our communities which all started when I learned more and more about the challenging situation of our Muslim Filipino brothers and sisters not just in Mindanao but also in Metro Manila. I’m currently based in Turkey but continue to work for our communities from afar. I’m a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and forever knowledge seeker.

Tell us about your role in TPBPM.
As TPBPM’s MHPSS Consultant, I help ensure our peace education programs integrate mental health and psychosocial support principles and practices. I also contribute as a module writer and peace education leadership formator for educators, parents and youth leaders.

What are the highlights of your experience with TPBPM?
There are so many, but what stands out most is our psychosocial peacebuilding emergency response during the Marawi siege. Hearing stories of survival and loss due to the conflict was simultaneously challenging and inspiring; challenging in that it was really hard to remain strong as we process survivors’ thoughts and emotions, and inspiring in that we learned (and continue to learn) so much from them about how to keep hope alive amidst all the chaos.

What have you learned from TPBPM that you have applied in your life?
I love TPBPM’s focus on inner peace first and foremost. It’s quite difficult, actually, with the challenges that come with the basket of roles we play in life. But, I try my best to nurture and protect my inner peace as it is the only way for us to truly contribute to positive change in our homes and communities.

What’s your advice for young women who wants to advocate for peace?
Peace begins from within; hence, we need to continue to know ourselves, our ultimate purpose in life, and what helps us protect our inner peace. We also need to surround ourselves with people who share the same vision and mission in life. It is by knowing ourselves and our tribe that we can fulfill our purpose in life as peaceful servants of The Almighty.

Peace is —

Patient Entelechy Amidst Chaotic Environments (P.E.A.C.E.); i.e, finding the patience to continue actualizing and fulfilling our daily purpose no matter how challenging our contexts are–always through and for the sake of The Almighty.

Jane Marie Dimacisil-Samur