Peace: Act 1, Kadogo’s story
In this story, we hear about Kadogo, a former child fighter in DR Congo who swapped his weapon for a theatre script.
Category: Supporting ex-combatants
2019 Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders Award winners announced
Now in its seventh year, the Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders Awards celebrate some of the world’s most innovative local peacebuilders. This year, the three focus areas for the awards were: women-led peacebuilding, youth-led peacebuilding, and music and the performing arts. A panel of international experts selected the winners from 406 applicants, the highest number we have received to date.
Local Heroes: A Shared Goal
This is the story of Michael, a local hero who runs Peace Initiative Network, a peacebuilding organisation supporting young people in the city of Kano, Northern Nigeria. This video was produced by Zoomin.TV as part of their Local Heroes series. Fifteen years ago, Michael Femi Sodipo watched from a neighbour’s window as his house and … Continued
Local Heroes: A Community Ring
This is the story of Shehu, a local hero who runs a boxing club for vulnerable young people in the city of Kano, Northern Nigeria. This video was produced by Zoomin.TV as part of their Local Heroes series. Born into poverty in Kano, Shehu was recruited into a gang when he was just seven years old. Later … Continued
International Women’s Day: Josephine’s Story
On International Women’s Day, we reflect upon the inspirational work of Josephine, an ex-combatant who has dedicated her life to helping child soldiers re-integrate back into their communities.
Seven things we’re thankful for in 2018
2018 has been a year of growth, successes, challenges and learning for Peace Direct. We’re proud to have continued supporting local people to build peace in 12 countries around the world, and to shine a light on the efforts and resilience of grassroots action in many more.
The bravery to escape the militia: Benedict’s story
Conflict is a normal part of life. Violence is not. This story is of 15-year-old Benedict*. Benedict was captured by a local militia group and forced to become a child soldier. But he knew this was wrong. One day, Benedict found the courage to escape. Now he is back home, earning a living and helping to put his younger sister through school.
Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace: World Radio Day 2019
To commemorate World Radio Day, we offer a glimpse into a thriving network of community radio clubs in eastern DR Congo. Scroll through the photo series from photographer Greg Funnell to see how the local radio is saving lives and building livelihoods in the region.
Exclusive interview: the man who helped rescue 1,500 child soldiers
During a recent visit to DR Congo, Claire May (Head of Programme Funding) interviewed 30-year-old Blaise, a former combatant who now works for our partner Centre Résolution Conflits (CRC) rescuing and reintegrating soldiers from the bush. Here is his story.
Exclusive report: General Baraka’s one hundred children
Daniel Tamene, our Programme Finance Manager, recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo to visit our partner Centre Resolution Conflits (CRC). He accompanied CRC into the bush to see first-hand the negotiation process they manage every time they rescue and resettle child soldiers. Here is Daniel’s exclusive report from the field.