Social Action Report

Shalom Educating for Peace (SEP) was founded by Jean de Dieu Basabose and Cori Wielenga in 2007. Both are former students of the Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies department of the University of Kwa- Zulu Natal South Africa. They completed post-graduate studies which focused on sustainable peace in the Great Lakes region.

Its focus is on the Great Lakes region with the expectation of expanding to the entire African continent. Shalom seeks to partner with development organizations that are active in these countries, equipping their staff with the ability to train others in peace principles. Organizations interested in being trained in peace principles must please contact Shalom for further information.

SEP’s vision is to empower communities to:

Prevent violent conflict
Non-violently resolve conflict
Build a culture of non-violence
Move towards reconciliation
This vision is implemented through our three principal activities: peace education, research and non-violent action.

Programs

The Young Peacemaker Project

This project seeks equip youth leaders in training youth in peace principles. Shalom has developed a training manual to assist these leaders in this task. The aim is to reach 250 youth leaders in 50 local churches through this training

Peace through Radio Program

Currently members of Shalom speak on a weekly community radio program in Rwanda, called Umcyo, where peace principles are discussed and debated and people can call in with their questions and comments.

Be Peace Project

In partnership with the Peace Academy of Costa Rica, Shalom hopes to implement this project which educates communities in nonviolent communication and emotional management.

Peace Education through Literacy

In this project, Shalom will assist in the development of adult literacy material, communicating peace principles through adult literacy. Further, Shalom will train adult literacy project staff in peace principles for them to carry these over in adult literacy classes.

Reconciliation and Peace through Theatre and Song

Shalom seeks to educate communities through the use of song and theatre, which is an accessible and cost-effective form of entertainment for struggling communities.

http://www.shalomeducatingforpeace.org