Projects

An important part of the work of the APF is funding peace-making projects around the Anglican Communion. The following are projects which APF has supported over the past few years. 

Light the fire of Peacemaking – Training Youth Peacemakers in Bujumbura, Burundi 

Later this year, the diocese of Bujumbura in Burundi will be leading a reconciliation programme through their Youth Department. The project will involve Peacemaking training for youth leaders from different political parties in the 24 parishes of Bujumbura Diocese. These young people will spend time together experiencing reconciliation and in turn will train other young people in their local groups to practise reconciliation based on Bible teachings.

The final event will be a basketball match which youth from 2 different parishes will be invited to watch. The day will be a themed day of peace.

The APF has pledged to provide funding for this project, having funded other peacemaking work in the Diocese in previous years. You can join generous APF members by donating towards this valuable project.

 

Reconciliation in Bujumbura: Why this Project Matters

Throughout its history, Burundi has faced ethnic wars. The country was at war between 1993 and 2005. As part of the efforts of the Anglican Church of Burundi, Bujumbura Diocese contributed much to the peace process as different parties negotiated to find solutions. Sadly, after a decade of peace, the country returned to a period of insecurity and violence in 2015 over the contested third term of Burundi former President Pierre Nkurunziza. In all these conflicts, the youth of Burundi have been exploited by warring politicians as the frontline in factional fighting.

Explaining why the project is so important, Rev. Jean Marie Nzambimana, Diocesan Youth Department Coordinator wrote:

“In the past, we have realized that the youth is the target of people who have bad intention. After the troubles of 2015, the Burundian youth has been divided. This project will help to address issues of peace, justice and reconciliation. The Church is the only place where young people from different political parties can feel comfortable together. Sitting together will be a first step towards the journey of peace and reconciliation.”

The Vice President of Burundi Commission of Truth and Reconciliation will facilitate the training. A member of the National Human Rights Commission of Burundi is expected to share their experience during the sessions.

Peace Footballs: A scheme to provide footballs with peace messages for peace education.

Nine years ago, a group of APF members in Kenya were working with young people following the violence of 2008.  Sport is always a good way to initially engage young people, and so, working with the charity Alive and Kicking, their Nairobi workshop designed a ‘peace football’.  This is a high-quality leather ball which can last longer on the dirt pitches most football is played on in Africa.  Quoting Matthew 5.9 “Blessed are the peacemakers”, the balls have played a part in getting young people together and learning about ‘keeping peace’ in difficult situations.

APF projects have used them in a few countries and now our Kenyan members are planning a series of ‘Peace Tournaments’ in 2020. It is the aim of these activities to bring young people from different ethnic groups together and so learn more about each other and avert conflicts.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Peacebuilding training, through a ‘Behavioural Change Project’ based in Cueibet, South Sudan. You can read an update on this project.

Peacebuilding via the Cooperative Games Programme in Scottish Primary Schools, delivered by the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre, UK. You can find out more about this project here.

The Faith and Peace Project working with women from across faith communities in the Bradford area, exploring community peace building. Using textile art as a focus, a travelling exhibition has been developed around various group projects celebrating the role of peace and peacemakers in the three Abrahamic faiths. This is being developed and delivered by the Bradford Peace Museum, UK.

Examples of the textile work created by the Faith and Peace Project in Bradford

APF is very pleased to announce that the ‘Faith and Peace’ exhibition is now available online, along with educational resources for schools and groups. The exhibition focuses on the potential for peace in Abrahamic religions, so often perceived as sources of violence. Creative artwork, made by women from mixed-faith groups in Bradford, gives an informative glimpse into Judaism, Christianity and Islam as religions for peace. Female and male peacemakers of each faith are highlighted, as is each faith’s tradition of respect and hospitality for each other, for refugees and strangers. The artwork and textile creations reflect the women’s own experience of conflict and their longing for peace. The creation of these works of art has itself been a process of peace-making and hope.

Here are the resources in downloadable form as pdfs.

Learning Activities Faith and Peace Exhibition for Children Aged Key Stage 2 and Upwards

Faith and Peace Exhibition Sheets

Faith and Peace Exhibition Info Sheets

 

The Wilson/Hinkes Peace Prize – awarded each year to people engaged in grassroots peace-making work.

Previous grants made by APF:

In 2018, we helped to fund the production of a revised copy of ‘Teach Peace’ a schools education pack, produced by the Peace Education Network. We also supported women’s community peace training delivered by South Sudan Community Change Agency (SOSUCCA).