Applied Conflict Transformation Course

SKILLS AND STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING WITH CONFLICT

Lessons from Africa and Around the World

 

             Duration:                                             29th October 2nd November 2012

             Location:                                             Johannesburg, South Africa

             Language of facilitation:               English, with translation in Portuguese and French

ACTION for Conflict Transformation is a global network of individuals and organisations working for sustainable peace.  In Africa the ACTION Support Centre, through its Skills and Strategies for Change programme aims to be a resource for African wisdom and expertise able to respond effectively to the deep-rooted social conflicts across the continent. It connects people working for peace and development, human rights and social transformation, in Anglophone, Lusophone and Francophone countries throughout Africa.

 

Following the success of our March 2012 course the Applied Conflict Transformation Course has been reworked to incorporate some of the suggestions made by the dynamic team of participants.  A selection of comments received from the group has been pasted below. The course has been designed by a team of conflict and development specialists and aims to enhance and support the work of practitioners and policy makers affected by conflict and tension.

 

The workshop approach to learning uses a fine balance of pedagogical methods that includes analysis from specialist resource people, inputs on critical conflict issues facing the continent, conceptual frameworks, detailed case studies and creative participatory exercises.

For more information contact: allison@asc.org.za or richard@asc.org.za

 

Evaluative comments from participants:

 

"I feel a new sense of passion to continue contributing to the transformation of conflict. The networks made between the groups are exciting as well there is so much potential for positive change and I want to become more involved."

 

"This course has had a significant impact in shaping my approach to conflict related issues. It has challenged my traditional approach and view in a positive way."

 

"The course is generally powerful. It needs 2 weeks so could be done in phases maybe. The choice of presenters was excellent made the course relevant, raised the necessary anger and excitement to provoke learning and rich debate."

 

"The course is quite relevant and it was really helpful."

 

"This was a well-organised workshop and thanks to the facilitators, and organisers as well."

              

"Keep it up ACTION you are wonderful."

      

"Thank you ACTION and a good job done by all your staffers and in particular the facilitators."

 

"I just want to thank the organisers for taking us on a journey of self-exploration. I dont think I have ever expressed my views, attitudes and assumptions quite as much as I have over the past five days."

 

"I came here to learn a set of skills and strategies instead I will leave with a deeper understanding of my passions and where I can make my contribution in this world."

 

"Each morning and afternoon was so well thought through and adapted to the holistic needs of the group. Your facilitation and reflective listening skills are in, and of, themselves hugely valuable learning tools (to which I aspire to). It has been a truly unique experience learning and challenging each other to consider different lenses! Using colour, music, imagery, academia and group work to explore conflict and processes for moving beyond it."

 

"Clare, Rindai and Pontsho were really helpful, organised and professional as well. I feel hopeful. PS The lunches were delicious."

 

What people learned the most from:

 

"Sharing of experience, re-energising myself to move on in a focused way in delivering activities on conflict transformation."

 

"The teamwork, because I believe one man cannot do it alone.  It takes more than one man to walk far."

 

"I enjoyed the introspection and participation that the course offered.  Its fairly easy to speak about political theories with strategies but exploring ones vulnerability and baggage and de-arming the mind through being transparent and embracing have proven truly inspirational."

 

"The most important lesson I learnt was that no matter how similar most African situations that conflict situations there is really need for analysis and dealing with them in specific contexts."

 

"I saw the need for action at the end of the ideas process.  We can talk forever but action needs to be taken.  And this can be done through analyzing, strategising and planning.  Also I learnt that before you can engage meaningfully with others, you need to self-reflect; analyse your own situation and the stuff you may be bringing to the situation unconsciously."

 

"Reflection internalisation of learning; practical exercises working with diversity and application of concepts; Field visits inspiration and keeping the hope alive; diversity of meeting so many people from so many places; Natural resources presentations exposure to a new and important field."

 

Below is a group picture of March 2012 participants.

 

Proudly African Campaign

ASC in partnerships with OSISA is organising two strategic meetings under the Proudly African Initiative: A civil Society Consultative Meeting and A donor roundtable.
 
To become part of the Campaign contact philani@asc.org.za.

 

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Cultural Diversity Workshops

 

Two Cultural Diversity Workshops are scheduled to take place in Alexandra township-Johannesburg under the Cultural Diversity Project. The workshops will focus on Conflict Transformation and identifying strategies that can promote and strengthen appreciation of cultural diversity at grassroots level. A network of Peace Monitors will be established as part of the longer term strategy to address conflict arising out of cultural intolerance.

If you are living in Alexandra and would like to participate in these workshops please email: rindai@asc.org.za for more information.

 

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School Cultural Awareness Campaigns

 

ASC is organising three strategic Cultural Awareness Campaigns with Schools in Alexandra. The forthcoming event will comprise of a Cultural Festival that is scheduled to take place during the first week of February 2012. These platforms will enable learners to reflect and share ideas on what they think constitute an integrated community.

 

For more information contact rindai@asc.org.za

 

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Civic Education Workshop on Human Rights and Refugee Rights (Soweto)

 

As a build-up to the Anti-Xenophobia Indaba which took place in Soweto last year, ASC is organising follow up workshops on Human Rights, Refugee Rights and Xenophobia in townships around Johannesburg. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Soweto.

 

Contact sipho@asc.org.za for more information.

 

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2011 Womens Seminar (Soweto)

 

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against violence against Women, ASC is organising a womens seminar in Soweto. The seminar will focus on challenges facing women in the 21st century, and identifying practical solutions to the challenges. The seminar will also focus on the impact of the transition in Zimbabwe on women migrants and the communities they form part of.

 

Contact sipho@asc.org.za for more information

 

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Managing Transition in Zimbabwe: Public Meeting (Botswana)

 

This regional public meeting will focus on assessing the progress and challenges facing the Zimbabwe Government of National Unity (GNU). Key to this meeting will be the development of a strategic way forward on socio-economic and political matters of concern to Zimbabweans and regional solidarity stakeholders. Key note speakers and delegates will be drawn from across the SADC region.

 

Contact sipho@asc.org.za for more information.

 

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Somali Solidarity Campaign

 

As part of creating a deeper understanding of the Somali context and building awareness and solidarity support beyond the immediate crisis ASC has launched a Somali Solidarity Campaign. Working in partnership with civil society organisations and individuals in South Africa and across the African continent the campaign will link directly to organisations in the greater Somali region. This initiative is also focused on mobilising resources for the establishment of the Wajir Peace University, an initiative of the Centre for Peace and Applied Research driven by the vision of ACTION founding member Dekha Ibrahim Abdi.

 

Contact pontsho@asc.org.za for more information.

 

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Conflict Analysis Tools Development

 

ACTION members will travel to Yaounde, Cameroon to participate in a workshop aimed at further developing practical tools that can be used by communities working in situations of conflict and violence. This forms part of a broader collaboration with Modus Operandi, an international partner of ACTION. The workshop will include participants from across the continent. The workshop will run from the 19th November.

 

Contact richard@asc.org.za for more information.