STRENGTHENING PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN COMMUNITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BAMENDA.

" Working for Justice and Peace is a Question of Balance."

A Nkeng plant is used to promote peace and summon parties at conflict”

Violence, insecurity, and instability have affected the Archdiocese of Bamenda and other communities of the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. It has fragmented communities and promoted identity-based violence, harmful beliefs as well as led to a decline in cultural practices, weakening self-reliance, community support systems, and social cohesion.

In response to this, and funded by the Diocese of Portsmouth, the Justice and Peace Service is implementing a project “Strengthening Peaceful Coexistence in Communities of the Archdiocese of Bamenda.” The project aims to enhance the capacities of individuals, families and targeted communities of 6 deaneries (Bafut, Bayelle, Azire, Mankon, Bambui,Akum) to embrace peaceful coexistence, healthy relationships and inclusive development amidst the crisis.

After mobilizing community leaders and holding a contact meeting, we organized a two-day capacity building workshop to strengthen the capacities of 30 frontline outreach community volunteers who will lead local Peace Processes in their communities. The workshop which took place from the12th to 13th November, 2024, involved Justice and Peace Commission members, youths, and community leaders trained on modules like Building Resilience and Peace, human rights and identity-based conflicts, Constructive Relationships and Dialogue, and Sustainable Peace Building Actions.

As per the plan of action like awareness creation, counseling, referrals amongst others, which the community volunteers presented and pledged to implement, we will be following them up and giving them the necessary support to ensure that their communities become more resilient and are able co-exist peacefully with each other.

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