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.
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.
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.
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.
We have just received news from the field announcing the successful release of 23 child soldiers in DR Congo. We have been working tirelessly over the past week to ensure their safe release and return.
Giving child soldiers the chance of a decent life after the horrors of violent conflict is a crucial building block of long-term peace. Our partner in DR Congo, Centre Résolution Conflits, works with village leaders to makes sure former child soldiers have something to come back to.