CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION TRAINING

Avant Garde for Peaceful Living, which is the peacebuilding arm of Christian Faith Ministries, was invited to train the members of Peace and Reconciliation Alliance alongside Voice of the Special People. 

Members of the Avant Garde represented

1. Zaharaddeen Muhammad

2. Gaudagana Ethan

3. Mary Bala

4. Pam Sunday

5. Alex Wuslong

6. Ada Njoku

A brief introduction was given from the host organization, Mrs. Maryann Mutle, after which the objectives of the program were stated. Peacebuilding is a post conflict activity. People don't usually talk about peace, until there is a conflict. Peacebuilding is actually a transformation. It's only when you transform your conflict that you come to a place of peace. 

The first presentation given was on UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT by Mrs. Mary Bala. Here, she introduced conflict and its effect in our society, the types, causes, nature and stages of conflict were well explained and elaborated by her. Conflict is inevitable. The outcome of conflict could either be negative or positive, but in most cases it is negative.

After the first presentation, there was an activity that increased the interaction between the participants. 

The training proceeded as Mr. Alex made a presentation on CONFLICT ANALYSIS. He defined conflict and stated the methods used to analyze conflicts. It is important that conflicts are analyzed in order to have a good picture and understanding of the drivers and actors in the conflict.

Mrs. Bala engaged the house with another activity.

Moving forward, Mr. Pam presented on COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT, where he highlighted the categories, importance and the role of hate speech in communication and conflict management. Effective communication also involves feedback by the recipient, to assess the level of understanding. Of a truth, the importance of communication cannot be overemphasized.

The Chairman (Mr. Zaharaddeen Muhammad) rounded up the training by presenting certificates to the participants and Avant Garde Peacebuilding manuals to the management of the Peace and Reconciliation Alliance. 

Our host and convener, Mrs. Maryann Mutle, was sincerely grateful to Avant Garde and thanked the entire CFM for all that they do. She also solicited for a partnership with Avant Garde for Peaceful Living.