PPA Projects Spotlight
In 2023, our Peace Practice Alliance (PPA) provided 23 inspiring peace leaders with seed funding to lead 21 impactful community peace practice initiatives. These initiatives are a heartfelt continuation of the lessons shared and learned in the PPA. They transform the wisdom and practices from our program into tangible actions that bring peace and healing to communities worldwide. Spanning various themes, these initiatives equip individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge to effectively transform conflicts and nurture lasting peace.
While all initiatives designed, led, and implemented by the 2023 cohort were remarkable, here’s a glimpse into four of these initiatives:
Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan - “The Change Makers of NISA: Empowering Peace Leadership Across Borders”
The Change Makers of NISA initiative, led by project leaders Obi Onyeigwea and Dima Mahjoub, focused on uplifting young leaders through comprehensive online leadership training. Spanning Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, the initiative covered essential aspects of peace practice, including personal peace, interpersonal communication, community building, and global leadership, drawing from the Peace Practice Alliance. Participants engaged in activities designed to foster self-awareness, empathy, non-violent communication, and collective knowledge.
The project significantly impacted 15 participants, enhancing their understanding and confidence in applying peace practices within their communities. Reflections showed deep insights and a strong readiness to engage others. For instance, some participants initiated peace clubs and educational games in local schools, imparting skills learned during the training to improve interpersonal relationships, build connections, and enhance self-awareness. The initiative successfully built a foundation for peace leadership across diverse regions and a positive societal impact, aiming to inspire and mobilize young leaders. While Obi and Dima gracefully navigated the challenges of working across different countries, they learned that individuals from diverse cultures, religions, beliefs, and backgrounds can indeed learn together and create lasting friendships that bring about transformative change. They look forward to supporting continued student group efforts.
Indonesia - “Ludenesia: Fostering Empathetic Leadership in Indonesia's Schools”
Photo of students engaging in a game-based workshop focused on peacebuilding
Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Ludenesia initiative introduced middle school students to the pillars of empathy, teamwork, and gender equality. Activities included storytelling exercises, scenario-based empathy games, and co-ed futsal teams to illustrate gender equality in leadership. The project reached 73 students, over half of whom were female. Students reported feeling more confident and appreciative of the importance of empathy, teamwork, and gender equality in building a cohesive student culture.
The project had a significant impact. Reflections from participants showed deep insights, such as recognizing the strength and reliability of peers and understanding the power to manage conflicts maturely. The project also fostered a safe space for students to share and listen to each other's stories, reinforcing their ability to apply these skills in student council roles. Looking ahead, Bintang, the project leader, is considering moving the initiative online to overcome logistical challenges and expand its reach, ensuring even more students can benefit from this transformative experience.
Kenya - “Night School for Rendille Herders/Morans”
Photos of ongoing classes for morans and community members
In Kenya's Marsabit County, the Rendille people rely on herding livestock, a tradition passed down for generations. However, this lifestyle presents challenges for young Rendille men, known as morans. Lack of education often fuels poverty and conflict. Competition for scarce resources leads to cattle rustling, a violent practice plaguing the region. Recognizing the root causes of conflict, Nelly, the project leader, created an initiative that addressed both education and peaceful conflict resolution. Her project, "Night School for Rendille Herders/Morans," aimed to break the cycle of violence by equipping young morans with literacy and peacebuilding skills. Over six months, the project equipped 25 morans with basic literacy and numeracy skills. This newfound knowledge enabled them to participate in community meetings, a space previously inaccessible to them. More importantly, the project fostered a transformative shift in the Morans' perspectives. Exposure to peacebuilding techniques empowered them to advocate for dialogue as an alternative to violence. The project also inspired young women in the community to seek similar educational opportunities.
Nelly is committed to the project's long-term sustainability. She actively seeks partnerships with local NGOs and government bodies to secure ongoing funding and expand the program to include young women. Additionally, the newly literate morans are being trained as peer educators, ensuring the knowledge and skills gained can be passed on to future generations.
Rwanda - “Prevent and Combat Stigma and Discrimination Against Albinism”
Photo of the project’s two-day educational workshop raising awareness on PWAs
In Rwanda's Rubavu region, people with albinism (PWAs) face severe social exclusion and discrimination fueled by misconceptions and superstitions. False beliefs link them to magical powers, leading to prejudice and a denial of fundamental rights. Bizi, the project leader, recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat stigma and discrimination in his community. His project, "Prevent and Combat Stigma and Discrimination Against Albinism," raised awareness and fostered empathy within the community. The project's inclusive approach, involving PWAs alongside community members and local leaders, proved highly effective. Through workshops, media campaigns, and educational materials, the project reached over 522 people. These targeted efforts dismantled harmful myths and fostered a sense of understanding and empathy within the community. The project led to tangible improvements in the lives of PWAs. Fifteen individuals who previously dropped out of school due to stigma were able to return to their classrooms. Access to healthcare also improved, with the local government providing much-needed skin lotion to PWAs.
Bizi is committed to ensuring the project's lasting impact. He is developing a documentary on PWA rights to further educate the community and is building a network of volunteers to maintain momentum and advocate for ongoing support.