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 initiative operates across 18 wards in Chimanimani and has extended its reach into the neighbouring Chipinge District , where it now works in six rural wards.
Constructive transformation of community conflicts in Chimanimani and Chipinge Districts of Manicaland Zimbabwe.
A local peace building initiative
Our program promotes conflict transformation, fostering peace and social cohesion within communities,It empowers residents through democratically elected Ward Peace Teams (WaPeTes), providing a structured space for communities to address their conflicts. The program has equipped local people to resolve disputes related to power struggles, marginalization of vulnerable groups (women, children and disenfranchised youth), unequal access to relief resources such as food and farming inputs and unequal access to natural 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 the Ward Peace Team ( WaPeTes), which are inclusive ,community -driven structures formed by local residents .These elected teams collaborate closely with the 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 within the community, encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding.
Peacebuilding Activities :
Trauma Healing Concept
The Trauma Healing concept enables individual and community mental well-being and resilience to be improved in the communities and there are merchanisms 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 to deal with a 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 coonect with others. Isolation and silence, born out of fear of judgement or gossip, can inhibit personal healing. We encourage everyone to engage with their community -whether trhough religious groups, meditation 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.
Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Organisation (CELUO). was born out of a community initiative to address the challenges that the community was facing. The challenges included the erosion and depletion of natural vegetation/resources which was becoming rampant and negatively affecting crop yield.
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