A local Peace building initiave
The grassroots peace initiative, launched in 2013 with support from Weltfriedensdienst e.V.(WFD), was initially piloted in two wards of Chimanimani District. Due to the positive impact witnessed by local district leaders and the communities, the program was expanded to include an additional seven wards. Today, the iniative operates across 18 wards in Chimanimani and has extended its reach into the neighboring Chipinge District, where it now works in six rural wards.
Our program promotes conflict transformation, fostering peace and social cohesion within communities. It empowers residents through democratically elected Ward Peace Teams (WaPeTes), providing a structed space for communities to address their conflicts. The program has equipped local people to resolve disputes related to power struggles, marginalization of vulnerable groups, children and disenfranchised youth), unequal access to relief resources especially water and land through Environmental Peace building.
Building Resilient, Peaceful Communities
Our peace building efforts aim to strengthen the resilience and harmony of communities across Chimanimani and Chipinge Districts. The project works hand in hand with Ward Peace Teams (WaPeTes), which are inclusive, community-driven structures formed by local residents. These elected teams collaborate closely with local leadership to address existing and emerging conflicts related to natural resources, leadership disputes, gender inequality, trauma, and youth violence.
Using participatory methods, the project fosters inclusive community engagement in all aspects of conflict resolution. Activities such as participatory planning, capacity -building for local mediators and peace volunteers, forum theatre, and the local peace circle approach unite diverse groups withing the community, encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding.
Peace building Activities:
- Conflict Transformation Training
- Dialogues and Mediation
- Youth Forum Theatre
- Advocacy and Lobbying
- Awareness Campaigns
- Trauma Healing
- Empowerment and Strengthening of Local Community Structures
- Youth Sports for Peace
The Peace Program: Building Constructive Community Relations
The ‘Healing Friends’ initiate equips local participants with the knowledge and skills to integrate various healing methods, providing vital support to community members who have experienced violence and disasters.
One of the unique approaches used in the initiate involves the symbolic use of flowers and sticks, which individuals use to tell their stories. This method allows participants to summarize their personal journeys, highlighting both the resilience they have shown and the challenges they have overcome.
Faith and traditional healers from Chipinge and Chimanimani come together to exchange healing experiences and share best practices, creating a holistic approach to community trauma recovery.
Trauma Healing Concept
The trauma Healing concept enables individuals and community mental well-being and resilience to be improved in the communities and there are mechanisms and a network of Healing Friends in place in both Districts, Chipinge and Chimanimani that deal with trauma post stress disorders and related social wounds. With the help from the Healing Friends network, people affected by trauma are able with variety of emotional wounds and psychological suffering, improve their mental well-being and lead better lives.
The Healing Power of Community
Healing is often a communal journey. Through singing, dancing and shared experiences, individuals can release their emotional burdens and connect with others. Isolation and silence, born out of fear of judgement or gossip, can inhibit personal healing. We encourage everyone to engage with the community whether through religious groups, mediation circles, or other social support systems. It is important to seek help and support before the burden becomes too great, as no one should face their struggles alone. The community can help its members through mutual support.