We mourn the loss of dedicated peacebuilder, Abdi Botan
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our partner and friend, Abdi Ali Botan, who died on Saturday 4th April, 2020, of natural causes.
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our partner and friend, Abdi Ali Botan, who died on Saturday 4th April, 2020, of natural causes.
Looking back at 2019, I am continually impressed by the courage, commitment, and resilience of our partners and thousands of local peacebuilders around the world. As war and violence raged in many places, local people on the frontlines of conflict have saved lives, interrupted cycles of violence, and strengthened the foundations for lasting peace in their societies.
Overall in 2019, Peace Direct supported local peacebuilders in 12 countries to stop violent conflict. Our partners set up local Peace Courts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped children traumatized by Syria’s war and trained Filipino women in conflict resolution, among many other projects.
As the end of the year approaches, we take a moment to look back at some of the key moments in our work and the lives of our partners.
Today marks the first ever UN International Day of Education. The day celebrates the role of education in development and is intended to be a demonstration of the world’s commitment to providing quality education for all. Education is a basic human right. But for young people living in countries affected by conflict, attending school is … Continued
Khadija was born in Kismayo, Somalia. Her experience of the Somali civil war helps us to understand the instrumental role played by women in constructing, sustaining, and most importantly resolving conflict. She shares how she has swapped her spot on the battlefield for one at the table of peace.
In May, as the U.S. Congress debated an expansion of its authority to intervene militarily in Somalia, our Somali partners visited Washington and Minnesota to share their innovative peacebuilding work. Isse Abdullahi directs the Social Life and Agricultural Development Organization (SADO), which provides young people with job training and conflict resolution skills. Halima Farah Godane … Continued
Sahra dreamed of an education and a peaceful life from a very young age. But when her father wanted her to marry a militant fighter her dreams were shattered. Faced with no other option, she ran away to a new city. But there her life changed. Now Sahra runs her a small tailoring business with three girls she met on a skills training course. And she is free to plan her own future, away from violence and fighting.
Askiro fled conflict and violence in her home village, just to tragically lose her youngest son to poverty and malnutrition in another. With the help of a local organisation offering skills training and business management support, Askiro has turned the life of her family around.
Against a backdrop of bomb blasts by militant group al-Shabaab, 116 young people in Somalia recently overcame a past torn apart by conflict and clan violence, and now have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their communities.