Colombia Brings Reconciliation Methods to Uganda
In the tradition of the Goldin Institute's Forgiveness and Reconciliation Project, and utilizing the ESPERE methodology developed with our colleagues in Colombia, our efforts towards building child soldier reintegration continues throughout Northern Uganda.
As our Global Associate on the ground in Uganda (Denis Okello) recently reported to us in this summary paper, both Kitgum and Amuru districts have suffered greatly from armed violence and conflict. The instability in the area results in the ongoing recruitment and coercion of countless adults and children into the rebel forces. As Denis tells it, "in some way or capacity, each and every household in Northern Uganda has suffered the direct effects of the conflict in terms of abduction, death, displacement, poverty or illness." Against this backdrop, both districts serve as ideal communities to workshop the methods of ESPERE, bringing effective training to those within the community wishing to cope with the effects of war – and also those hoping to better their lives.
In the Kitgum District, Denis' report focused on a workshop conducted specifically for secondary and vocational school teachers. Here, educators could be equipped with the knowledge and skills on the process of forgiveness and reconciliation in order for them to effectively respond to the needs of their students who have been directly impacted by the civil war that they have grown up in.
In the Amuru District, Denis overviewed the specific training to former child combatants, young mothers, and orphaned young adults of the conflict who have been left to become the 'heads' of their households. Denis provided the history and background, and explained that within Amuru, the sub-county of Pabbo was one of the first and largest camps for Internally Displaced People (IDPs) during the LRA War between 1986 and 2006. After the end of hostilities in 2006, the displaced persons, former combatants, victims of atrocities and children born from captivity within the LRA, flooded back to many parts of Pabbo. It is important to point out that Denis and his own family have been impacted by the conflict's history and because of his training directly from our Global Associate Lissette Mateus Roa, was uniquely qualified to be one of the three facilitators of Amuru Workshop.
Workshops Follow Ongoing Committment to the Issue of Child Soldiers
The trainings held by Denis and his team on the ground in both Kitgum and Amuru Districts, would not have been possible without prior research conducted in Northern Uganda with former child soldiers. Released late last year, we published the guide, Alone and Frightened, to provide first-hand accounts and experiential stories of former child soldiers affected by the brutal war pitting the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) against the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF). Our extensive research with our partners in the region (including our former Global Associate from Kenya, Dr. Dorcas Kipligat, who served as the Project Coordinator to the report), provides an ongoing resource guide to all new workshops being conducted in Africa.
Readers familiar with the origins of the ESPERE methodology, will remember that it is made up several modules reinforcing the two phases of forgiveness and reconciliation. A link to an early version of what this looked liked as it was piloted in Colombia can be found here. The slideshow that we have put together at the end of this story is remarkable in the consistencies between the exercises in Latin America and those taking place to make up the workshops in Uganda.
We are excited to see from the expansion of the project from Latin America to East Africa, how in spite of the cultural, ethnic and societal differences between two unique continents and their people, the methods being shared for forgiveness and reconciliation are held in common. What we are learning in facilitating these trainings is the universal nature of how most all people impacted by conflict have the capacity to embrace these methods. Please follow along in the narrative slideshow below to see this happening in Kitgum and Amuru.
Arigatou Fights Child Poverty
GI Partner organization Arigatou International offers real-life solutions to fighting child poverty
We are proud of our history working on behalf of children with the organization Arigatou International. Our longtime partner and director of Arigatou, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, is excited to share the latest yearbook chronicling their work in bringing communities together to eradicate childhood poverty in regions of the world where it often doesn't get the attention it deserves. For Mustafa, this work continues his mission to build better futures for children as an internationally recognized peace activist.
Arigatou's model for addressing the issue, lies in combating child poverty through interfaith-advocacy and lobbying efforts. In 2012, they began the campaign End Child Poverty, which focuses on a multi-faith, child-centered initiative mobilizing faith-inspired resources to end child poverty. Since that time, religious leaders, international organizations and grassroots child rights workers have adopted the framework developed by Arigatou.
This 2014-15 year book, details the principles, initiatives, success stories and campaign activities in places like Colombia, the DRCongo, Kenya and India. Download the full report, which includes photos and highlights of the past year and the goals for the future, as Arigatou and its partners expand to reach more children in need.
[quote]It is unlikely that governments alone, even while acting through bilateral and multilateral arrangements, can match the mission of the broad-based effort that is required to eradicate poverty. Any effort to stamp out poverty must re- sult in a broad coalition between governments, multilateral organizations, civil society and faith-inspired organizations."[/quote]
- Prof. Abdulghafur El-Busaidy, the Chairperson of Arigatou International Nairobi
-Above banner image: Children directly impacted by the work of Arigatou International and the ongoing End Child Poverty campaign.
Photo Credit: Arigatou International
Conflict Minerals: Impact and Hope
This week we turn our attention to stories that our project work has us personally vested in: the human rights toll of 'conflict minerals' in the DRCongo and how best to reintegrate child soldiers into civil society after they have paid the price in the name of these minerals.
Here in Chicago, not far from our offices, we were able to take in this exhibit featuring the work of photographer Marcus Bleasdale. In this show, Bleasdale has used his powerful skills behind the camera to document the human costs of protecting mines for the corporate-interests of their owners, in the provinces of eastern Congo.
As we learned at the exhibit, this part of the Congo is especially rich in gold, tantalum, tin and tungsten essential to manufacturing cell phones, laptops, digital cameras and other electronics in high demand by world markets. In the early 2000s, militias took advantage of the soaring mineral prices and staked out profits from their extraction - often by violent means. Bleasdale's work tells the story in photos and if you are in the Chicago area, we highly recommend seeing it for yourself. Short of that, this link will take you to the photographs featured in the exhibit.
Related, and offering hope to the many caught up in the violence fueled by the minerals, are plans like this being implemented in the DRC. The kind of real training to former child soldiers outlined in the report, goes beyond just putting the issue in the news - the government's pledge and partnerships with international stakeholders takes a long view towards both ending the use of child soldiers and making sure that former combatants have skills and societal acceptance once they retire their firearms once and for all.
Viewing Bleasdale's exhibit and hearing the news of forward-thinking programs addressing the issue of child soldiers in this part of the world, reminds us that change is possible from the kind of long-term partnerships between local and international organizations. We are proud that our own work in Uganda and Kenya in helping establish National protocols and platforms, has proven to be mirrored by others working towards the same end.
Partners in East Africa Build Community Strategies to Fight Violence
Partnership with Arigatou International Continues Effective Peacebuilding
Because we remain committed to the issue of child soldier prevention and reintegration, our project work often exposes us to the disturbing reality of youth participation in militant violence. East Africa in particular has suffered from a growing problem of terrorist groups focusing their recruitment efforts on the youth of the region. Parents in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia have called for assistance in addressing the issue of their children being recruited or forced to join Al-Shabaab and other armed militant groups.
Because of prior work in the region building a National Platform addressing the issue, the Goldin Institute and Arigatou International are expanding our partnership to address this problem of child recruitment. To that end, at the beginning of this year, 24 practitioners in local grassroots initiatives gathered together for a workshop in Kenya to discuss strategies on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). The discussion was robust and varied; starting with an identification of what makes communities vulnerable to violent extremism. Participants came to understand that the lack of employment opportunities, the disintegration of trust and respect amongst community members of different faiths, and extensive marginalization of women, have combined to make children more vulnerable to exploitation.
Attendees also discussed the vulnerability of youth who too often grapple with self-doubt and self-realization which puts them in vulnerable positions for recruitment. Participants decided that their voice as a community is important and have pledged to collectively identify issues, foster relationships with government authorities and most importantly counter extremist groups from both a hands-on and policy perspective. Participants came to the conclusion that investments in each other must be made to build stronger societies and partnerships with government must be developed for government enforced change.
[quote]At the end of the workshop, community response proved to be the most effective way to prevent violent extremism. Participants came to an understanding that Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) will be the epicenter of restoration and strengthening of the values and principles of individuals and societies against violence and its related activities. The training effectively captured the underlying causes and grievances that make communities vulnerable to violent extremism; it also created an integral solution for these problems."[/quote]
- Excerpted from full report, which can be viewed here.
The Goldin Institute Stands with our Friends in Kenya
It is with deep sadness that we share our condolences to our colleagues and friends in Kenya in the aftermath of the senseless and tragic attack at Garissa University. We join with our global network around the world to hold the friends and families of the 147 who were killed and the dozens more wounded in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali of our Kenyan partner organization Arigatou International shared his thoughts with us this morning:
[quote] Many thanks for sharing with us your thoughts and condolences. The country is going through difficult moments. While we are certain we will overcome the ideology of terror, it will take a lot of effort from ourselves and the government to do so. The support we are receiving from the Goldin Institute and other partners is going a long way to build capacities to address the destructive ideology feeding into violent extremism."[/quote]
Our colleague based in Nairobi, Dorcas Kiplagat shared her thoughts as well:
[quote] Thank you dearest for your condolences ... Sometimes I am in a supermarket then I remember, suppose they attack ... actually they have succeeded in creating fear but of course we just have to move on as we pray and hope that God grants us his favour... It is the totality of our society's mindset which must shift ... Thank you for standing with us and our beloved country at this time of great pain."[/quote]
We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in Kenya and throughout the region as we work to build grassroots partnerships to counter the growth of violent extremism. The tragic events at Garissa University are a terrible reminder of the need and the urgency for this crucial work.
Uganda: Forgiveness and Change Starts At Home
Working towards the peaceful evolution of their country, two Uganda-based organizations, the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI) and the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU) worked closely to conduct two workshops using the ESPERE Methodology in January and early February 2015 in the District of Gulu. The facilitators for the workshops had the benefit of being trained at the June 2014 workshop in Uganda led and organized by our Global Associate Lissette Mateus Roa. Each successful attendee will carry forward the accomplishments and lessons learned from their participation to benefit their communities at large.
The workshops were developed to cater to the specific needs of the local program participants. The first workshop held Jan. 21–28, 2015 focused on those who were victims or survivors of the May 2004 Lukodi Massacre wherein the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) raided and carried out an attack that led to the deaths of over 60 individuals in the town of Lukodi in Gulu District. The workshop itself was held at Lukodi Primary School and many of the participants were members of the Lukodi Reconciliation Team, a group made up of victims and survivors of the Massacre. Facilitator and participants alike exhibited strong enthusiasm for the program and despite literacy challenges, the group completed all eleven modules.
The second workshop was conducted from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 2015 at Laroo Boarding Primary School in Laroo Division; Gulu Municipality. Participants consisted of 15 teachers from five Primary Schools all of which offer educational services to those in need including, formerly abducted persons, child mothers, street children and those with special needs. Program participants from this workshop as well were successful in completing all eleven modules.
The Modules of ESPERE – An Overview and How They Were Used
The ESPERE methodology uses a standard procedure in its approach to the process of forgiveness, refined slightly for each unique participant set. Similar to the June 2014 workshop, eleven modules shaped the program. Listening exercises at the onset of the workshop helped each participant understand the importance of being an active listener and an active participator.
The first module paired individuals together to form a safe space wherein each person spoke about the experience that had hurt or traumatized them. In the second module, participants learned through role playing how aggression affects emotions, thoughts, and behavior and determines the consequences of pain on physical and emotional health. Program participants found themselves identifying with the fictional role they were playing; prompting many to further share stories of instances where rage worked as a blindfold preventing them from seeing clearly. Program participants made a commitment to help others come out of the darkness created by rage.
In the third module, participants were led through a process of choice; participants had the choice of selecting unknown wrapped items, each item symbolizing an alternative leading to forgiveness. Ultimately, each participant actively chose to forgive and made a commitment of hope. After choosing to forgive, the fourth module focused on perspective, emphasizing that no two people will interpret a situation in the same way and many times someone will commit offenses for reasons that they deem as justified. Understanding these reasons helps provide a new perspective of the offender, resulting in a possible step towards common ground.
This led directly into module five which prompted participants to make a list of both positive and negative aspects of their offenders and imagine a meeting with that offender. Module six had participants in a very literal sense of the phrase, wash away the pain. The symbolic gesture, after speaking about their offenses, choosing forgiveness, and attempting to understand their offender brought relief to some and a step in the right direction for many program participants. The next four modules took program participants through the identification of valued principles, caring for and protecting principles, and most importantly, rebuilding and restoring broken principles. Participants were given ideas to repair broken principles, including conversation initiators, apologies, or a symbolic act as reparation - ultimately to reestablish a relationship. Finally, the last module provided practical understanding that although painful memories may never be completely forgotten, reworking them helps participants enter into the state of communion with freedom, solidarity and peace.
Most inspiring, despite their traumatizing past, the human spirit moved the Gulu participants in the workshop with the end goal of connecting with their brethren and looking towards a better future; proving once again that forgiveness and reconciliation rises above hate, and furthers the advancement of humanity.
To view the full report and see more photos from the ESPERE-Uganda Project, see this link. To find out how to take a more active role and support our work building grassroots partnerships like the ones we've established in Africa and Colombia, please visit here.
[slide] [img path="images/10967360_796381027082475_2015717359_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10969438_796378030416108_1287229658_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10967610_796379823749262_1998732302_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10964665_796381547082423_1222004002_o.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img] [img path="images/10965657_796383453748899_711227497_n.jpg"] Gulu Workshops - Photo credit: Denis Okello and our team in Uganda. [/img][/slide]
It Should Not Take An 'International Day'
We Reluctantly Join the UN in Having to Acknowledge Today
Today is recognized by the UN as International Day to End the Use of Child Soldiers. While we appreciate that the issue of child soldiers being used in conflict around the world is receiving a spotlight today to gain more awareness, we're also more than a little torn that it takes an 'International Day' to make people more aware of the plight of child soldiers.
First, some facts on why the UN recognizes today for child soldiers:
The occasion is the anniversary of the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC) of Feb. 12, 2002. In June 2013, an initiative was launched aimed at completely stopping the recruitment of child soldiers by 2016. But the reality for the estimated 300,000 child soldiers worldwide looks completely different.
Our own issues page is a further resource for getting a fuller understanding that reality. Here briefly excerpted from that page are some important details that we have learned from our own research and involvement in the issue:
While there are many reasons offered for why children join the armed forces, the thread that links all of the reasons concerns issues of survival. Although children who enlist in the armed forces of their own accord are seen as voluntary participants, there are economic and social factors that largely influence their decision.
One reason that is often mentioned for voluntary enlistment is the economic pressures felt by the children's families, as poor families are often unable to support their children and provide them with food and education during times of war. Families in this situation often reason that the best alternative for children is to join the armed forces, where they will be provided with food every day. Street children often join because they see no other positive alternative, as they have no family and live each day in uncertainty.
Others who join the armed forces seek to avenge the deaths of their relatives, by fighting in opposition to armed forces that killed them. Girls occasionally use the armed forces as an escape route from domestic servitude, enforced marriage, and abuse at home. Despite "voluntary enlistment" by children, armed forces often continue to forcibly remove children from their homes to join their ranks in the face of clear resistance from children and their families.
Our project work continues today – and everyday, to find ways to improve the lives of former combatants as they reintegrate into their communities. In 2015, we hope to build on the models that have been put in place by our teams in both Uganda and Colombia. And we hope that some day, the UN doesn't have to devote an International Day to End the Use of Child Soldiers.
Learn more on how you can support our work in Uganda and in Colombia, by clicking here.
Alarming Numbers from Central Africa
As we begin the new year, we take notice of fresh reports coming out of the Central African Republic (CAR) on the increase of child soldiers being recruited into the armed conflict during the last calendar year.
Both this story from the Reuters Foundation and this one from Humanosphere, tell the concern of the year-long conflict in CAR and the effects to children in general:
[quote]Children as young as eight are forced to fight, carry supplies, and perform other frontline and support roles. They often suffer physical and mental abuse by militants, and some have been ordered to kill. Having witnessed or committed killings and other violent crimes, children associated with armed groups are highly likely to suffer fear, anxiety, depression, grief, and insecurity, and many require specialized psychological support."[/quote]
- Save the Children
Estimates of between 6 to 10 thousand children have been drawn into the conflict as armed soldiers, but the impact to children in general (those left homeless, faced with disruption to their schooling and in need of emergency assistance) is estimated at an astounding 2 - 3 million.
Sourced for the Reuters story was a representative from Save the Children, Julie Bodin. Bodin is uniquely positioned to comment on the situation in CAR, as she is the child protection manager working directly with those being impacted by the fighting and violence in the country.
We couldn't be more in agreement with Bodin in the "need for long term goals of supporting children once they have been released from armed groups to stop them from rejoining. Extreme poverty, lack of education and jobs all create a huge reservoir of potential new recruits." Our own project work in northern Africa, especially in developing the National Platform for Child Soldier Reintegration and Prevention in Africa, is based on the same longer-term goals of how best to reintroduce former combatants into civil society to give them opportunities that become more attractive than rejoining the fight as armed soldiers. Whether in Uganda, or in the Central African Republic, or in Colombia, where we continue to address the same issues, the assistance needed to reverse the numbers of child soldiers is universal.
[quote]It is important to support youth and children to pass from a culture of war and conflict to a culture of peace. Child-friendly spaces and youth networks are urgently needed to rebuild these children's lives, as well as institutions, such as schools, which will help them thrive."[/quote]
- Julie Bodin of Save the Children
Uganda Update: Report on the Creation of a Regional Platform
In 2012 the Goldin Institute conducted research to understand and improve the lives of former child soldiers (FCS). In collaboration with former child soldiers, parents of former child soldiers, community leaders, district leaders, non-governmental organizations and opinion leaders, the Goldin Institute worked to engage those impacted by the Northern Uganda civil war to obtain an in-depth understanding of the societal, familial and public framework in place for former child soldiers.
The research was set up as a series of conversations amongst key stakeholders. Most significantly, FCS were given the role of interviewer, asking questions of other FCS about their experience with reintegration efforts following the war. The roles then reversed and the interviewer became the interviewee; concurrently conducting and contributing to the research. This framework allowed for FCS to share their experiences with those who are able to relate. The framework was also useful in breaking down barriers between FCS. FCS who were once forced to fight against one another were now in a position of relying on each other as an ad hoc support group.
The research revealed several key challenges FCS faced collectively upon their return from captivity. Specifically, FCS experienced sustained psychological trauma, community stigmatization and disillusionment with government support services.
[quote]Reinsertion is a child's return from captivity and reunification with family. Reintegration is a child's return from captivity, reunification with family, treatment and mitigation of mental and physical trauma and the development of a livelihood and contribution to society."[/quote]
The study also found that reintegration must be distinguished from reinsertion for all parties involved. Reinsertion is a child's return from captivity and reunification with family. Reintegration is a child's return from captivity, reunification with family, treatment and mitigation of mental and physical trauma and the development of a livelihood and contribution to society. The use of the term reintegration advances the idea of "working with" former child soldiers as they re-build their lives; it also minimizes the idea that private and public sector agencies are "working for" former child soldiers.
The widespread challenges amongst the FCS revealed the need for a collaborative effort amongst all sectors to effectively improve the lives of FCS. The current government provisions and interventions frequently failed to address the personal experiences and needs of war survivors, particularly those of FCS. The study not only revealed the perilous situation that FCS are in upon return from captivity but also developed the mission and framework of the National Partnership in Uganda as a means to address the needs of FCS.
The National Partnership in Uganda leverages the idea that sustainable recovery and peace within Northern Uganda can be achieved through the recognition of the unique experiences of FCS by government, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. The National Partnership will function as an effective national mechanism and a link and entry point for regional and international engagements towards prevention and reintegration of FCS. The National Partnership should also play a key role in developing a database for all FCS in the country and championing their cause through policy formulation, appropriate program recommendation and design and research. The National Partnership continues to evolve and grow, serving as a model for other countries grappling with reintegration of former child soldiers.
To that end, this summer, the Goldin Institute will be coordinating efforts to bring our colleagues in Colombia together with our associates in Uganda, so that best practices can be shared on effective ways to bring about reconcilation within communities and reintegration to former combatants. To view the full report containing photos and research on the creation of the regional platform, click on this link.
Spring 2014 Newsletter
Spring is making its way slowly toward the Goldin Institute's headquarters in Chicago. While seasonal change is in the air locally, systemic social change is underway at our global offices abroad. In this issue of the e-newsletter, we document the important work of our Global Associates. We are pleased to share these success stories from the field highlighting the positive, long-term changes underway, particularly in the Philippines and Colombia.
We invite you to take a look back at the first quarter of 2014 by viewing this short video overview of the newsletter.
Philippines
The Goldin Institute's efforts to provide access to clean water in the Philippines have continued to develop through the hard work of our Global Associate Dr. Susana Anayatin and her team. As part of her ongoing efforts, the team completed the installation of a 20 cubic meter water depository at J Marquez Elementary School located in the armed conflict area near Cotabato City on February 5, 2014. While conservative in size, its impact on the 1,875 students, 50 teachers and immediate community of about 1,000 families is immeasurable.
Working in collaboration with school administrators, the military and community members, Dr. Anayatin deftly leveraged the unique strengths of each group to respond to the water needs of J. Marquez Elementary School. In the planning stages, Dr. Anayatin partnered with the residents and educational officials to cultivate community ownership and promote the water resource as an incentive for students to attend school. Considering the location of J Marquez Elementary School within the armed conflict area in Cotabato City, Dr. Anayatin also engaged in dialogue with all sides of the conflict, including the military, to utilize everyone's skills and resources. In a symbolic ceremony commemorating the installation, students participated in a water ceremony wherein they were sprinkled with water. Water scarcity has always caused the community to purchase water and use it sparingly. Viewed as a limited and expensive commodity, the students enjoyed the rare experience of using water for play and enjoyment.
Amidst the work to provide access to safe drinking water, a storm surge hit Dr. Anayatin’s home province of Maguindanao on January 18th and 19th. Responding to this local emergency, the Goldin Institute Philippines organized a relief operation known as Alay Pagamamahal, which translates to Love Offering. Within days after the storm, Dr. Anayatin and her team coordinated meal distribution, provided counseling and activities to children, clothing and other supplies for immediate relief. While the team utilized funds from an anonymous Goldin Institute donor, they also worked closely with local parishes, churches, regional government and the military to coordinate the distribution of scarce supplies. Currently, three months later, the team continues to restore what was lost by the powerful storm.
Colombia
In Colombia, where ongoing civil conflict is a part of life, the Goldin Institute’s Global Associate, Lissette Mateus Roa and her team are working to create a peaceful coexistence between community members by leveraging Colombia's vast education system. Governmental changes every four years brings with it new educational priorities that public schools often struggle to adopt. Teachers and administrators drop current initiatives and quickly shift focus, resulting in a disjointed educational curriculum. These professional issues are often further complicated by the stress of working in a conflict zone. Struggling to deal with the personal and professional challenges, teachers and administrators often have conflict-laced interactions with each other and students. Observing the weak educational opportunities provided to students and the stark need for child soldier reintegration, Lissette developed a pilot project to help use curriculum and counseling to turn schools into centers for reintegration. The Pedagogy of Care and Reconciliation (PCR) project is currently running in three schools in Colombia in addition to ones in Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic.
The project utilizes the ESPERE methodology which focuses on forgiveness and reconciliation. Teachers participate in a 6-day workshop where 3 days are dedicated to forgiveness and 3 days are dedicated to reconciliation. Following the workshop, teachers engage in dialogue sessions for 6 months; discussing topics such as school rules, priorities in student education, current problems and alternative student punishments. The dialogue portion in particular provides a rare opportunity for teachers to voice their concerns and be heard. As changes are made at the top, the positive effects of peaceful coexistence and alternative solutions are visible at the bottom as evidenced in a recent encounter in the Dominican Republic. An older student in the Dominican Republic was bounced around to several schools; known as a troublemaker, his reputation preceded him, resulting in teachers unwilling to welcome him into their classroom. After getting to a school utilizing the ESPERE methodology, a teacher asked him to repay his past misdeeds by teaching primary school students. Teaching younger students as an alternative to going to the principal’s office brought out his compassion and self-control, which had not surfaced before.
Looking Forward
As the ESPERE methodology proves successful in the field sites, Lissette is preparing to extend the school-based training to our partners in Uganda this May, 2014. The team in Gulu is excited to adapt this model to work with former child soldiers and the community as they grapple with forgiveness and reconciliation.
Keep an eye out for more information about this project in the next newsletter.
Also watch the next e-newsletter for the latest news from the Grassroots Leadership Development project. The team is hard at work with our colleague Bliss Browne of Imagine Chicago to develop a course that will inform and inspire grassroots activists in leading community-driven initiatives worldwide.
If you have suggestions of individuals who may want to receive this e-newsletter or stories you think we should tell, please contact us at news@goldininstitute.org.
