Climate change and conflict are two of the biggest challenges faced by our world. Yet, environmental work and peacebuilding efforts are rarely coordinated. By supporting local peacebuilders to reduce violence while caring for the environment, we’re determined to change this. This Earth Day, we share how you can help.
This is the story of Patience, told in her own words. In bravely telling her story, we are reminded of the realities facing women in areas of conflict, but also of the resilience and strength to rebuild their lives. The women that, with the right support, find new opportunities to leave a life of violence behind.
When he was just ten years old, Lembaka’s father was shot and killed by an armed group. Hungry for revenge and fuelled by anger, he joined a rival group – leaving his family behind. Lembaka spent eight years in the bush; his family came to believe that he too had been killed. But, after years … Continued
In this story, we hear about Kadogo, a former child fighter in DR Congo who swapped his weapon for a theatre script.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.