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October 03-28,2022: African Great Lakes Peacebuilding and development Ins titute The 18th Session of the Annual Peacebuilding and Developement Training of GLPI was held at MUGATUTU,the MIPAREC Conference Center in Gitega, Burundi during the periode of 03 to 28 of October 2022. This is the annual month-long training institute organized by GLPI in the month of October. Participants come from the Great Lakes region or anywhere across Africa. The training, which is done in both English and French, is comprised of eight week-long course modules on peacebuilding and organizational and community development which participants could choose from. The full month includes classroom-based discussions, group activities, field visits, week-end teambuilding activities, panel presentations, special learning sessions, opening and closing ceremonies, football match and cultural solidarity night. There is an option to attend the entire month or only certain weeks. Participants This year 2022, we have successfully held our Annual Peacebuilding Trainings in the month of October, gathering more than 60 peace practitioners from Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Angola, Ethiopia, Cambidia and Tchad. They represent different sectors such as international and national non-profit institutions, churches, youth groups, women’s associations, and peacebuilding, development and humanitarian organizations The 2022 Peacebuilding Institute has offered courses and training modules led by a team of experienced international faculty who possess a wide range of peacebuilding skills and experience. They employ participatory, interactive and creative teaching methods to stimulate meaningful listening and learning environments. ACTIVITIES The full month includes classroom-based discussions, group activities, field visits, week-end teambuilding activities, panel presentations, special learning sessions, opening and closing ceremonies, football match and cultural solidarity night. FACULTY

LEARNING RESOURCES Recommend resources GLPI is compiling learning resources that are relevant to the peace and development themes in the African communities. This is also aimed at encouraging the work of African scholars and practitioners. GLPI hopes to use these resources in our trainings to help guide analyses and discussions. When this collection grows, GLPI hopes to establish a learning resource center accessible to peace and development practitioners in Africa. RESOURCES SECTION INFRASTRUCTURES FOR PEACE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA The editors of this book are Mediel Hove from University of Zimbabwe and Geoff Harris from International Center of Nonviolence (ICON). This book was published with the help of Springer, ICON, and Durban University of Technology. This book documents the experience and potential of nonviolence in post-independence sub-Saharan Africa and the persuasive case for development of various peace infrastructures in order to make peace sustainable. Chapters 8 and 10 of this book are contributed by Dr. Mulanda Jimmy Juma, who is one of GLPI's faculty members. He wrote about the local peace committees (LPCs) and election violence in Burundi and about the African experience of implementing peace clubs in schools. Available only in English. PEACE CONNECTOR PROJECTS: BISHOP KORIR'S STRATEGY FOR PEACEBUILDING This essay is authored by William Kiptoo, a GLPI faculty member, and is published in the Journal of Social Encounters. This is a narration of his personal experiences in peacebuilding in the North Rift region of Kenya as a resident of the region, and peace worker from 1995 to date. He draws from his work experiences with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (1995-2005), Catholic Relief Services and the Mennonite Central Committee (2007-2019). Specifically, how connector projects were used as a strategy for grassroots peacebuilding for the conflict-affected communities in the North Rift Valley region. The processes of mobilizing the communities, challenges, and outcomes of reconciliation efforts are discussed. The four connector projects discussed show the rewards attained from embracing collaboration as a key prerequisite for peace and reconciliation among communities in conflict. Available only in English. WHEN YOU ARE THE PEACEBUILDER: STORIES AND REFLECTIONS ON PEACEBUILDING FROM AFRICA This book was written by Babu Ayindo, Sam Gbaydee Doe, and Janice Jenner and published with the help of the United States Institute of Peace. This text uses stories, fables, proverbs and parables to address topics such as identity, power, justice, nonviolence, transformation and reconciliation. This is a great resource because it is written by Africans and communicates essential values and concepts of peacebuilding. This book is available both in English and French . French translation was done with the help of Mennonite Central Committee. Click here for the French version. REFLECTIVE PEACEBUILDING: A PLANNING, MONITORING, AND LEARNING TOOLKIT This toolkit was written by John Paul Lederach, Reina Neufeldt, and Hal Culbertson, and published by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Catholic Relief Services . This toolkit focuses on the importance of reflection and learning before, during, and after the implementation of peacebuilding programs. This toolkit is available both in English and French . French translation was done with the help of Mennonite Central Committee. Click here for the French version.

TOURNEE REGIONALE Publié le 30 Aout 2023: TOURNEE REGIONALE Depuis le mois de Juin 2023, l’ Equipe de la Direction du Great Lakes peacebuiding Initiative-GLPI est entrain d’ effect uer une tournée dans la Région des Grands Lacs dans le but d’ organiser des rencontres avec les membres des chapitres de la Région afin de les redynamiser, restructurer, mettre en place des approches cohérentes et coordonnées des Initiatives de ses Lauréats de l’ Institut de Consolidation de la paix GLPI. Rapellons qu’ un Chapitre est une structure locale constituée par un ensemble des Lauréats, ressortissants d’une même ville ou localité, qui ont suivi les formations organisées par GLPI sur la consolidation de la paix et le développement communautaire lors des Instituts de Consolidation de la paix du mois d’octobre et des Modules spéciaux de depuis 2004. Le but ultime de cette tournée est de permettre la durabilité et l’Impact des efforts de ces acteurs locaux et du GLPI au niveau de la Région des Grands à travers une Infrastructure Régionale solide et dynamique appelée Réseau de Concertation des Artisans de Paix dans la Région des Grands Lacs (RCAP-RGL) qui est une plateforme Régionale constituée par l’ensemble des chapitres. Pour le moment cette plateforme réunie les chapitres des villes Gitega et Bujumbura au Burundi, Kigali au Rwanda et Uvira, Bukavu et Goma en RDC. C’est à travers cette plateforme que GLPI continu à suivre l’impact des formations octroyées et à accompagner les initiatives des chapitres et du réseau. RCAP-RGL est aussi une infrastructure régionale de consolidation de la paix qui part de la base et qui relie le local aux autres niveaux et secteurs de la société. RCAP-RGL établie un lien efficace, à la fois horizontal au niveau local et vertical aux niveaux national et international. Partout, où l’ équipe a déjà visité, nous y avons rencontré des artisans de paix dynamique et qui ont élaboré des documents de leur engagement stratégique qui lie la réponse à la crise et un engagement envers la durabilité. Nous avons aussi constate que les membres des chapitres se soutiennent et se renforcent mutuellement.

Pottery Workshop Price $200 Duration 2 Weeks Enroll < Back About the Course This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Your Instructor Brian Chung This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Previous Next

FACULTY: P. Acher NIYONIZIGIYE Acher Niyonizigiye Il est né en 1978. Il a étudié les langues (linguistique et littérature anglaise) à l'Université du Burundi, les études théologiques et le leadership (théologie et leadership) à l'Université « École de Théologie et de Leadership des Grands Lacs ». Il a été maître de conférences. à l'Université du Burundi (2006-2010), où il a enseigné la linguistique et la littérature. Il est titulaire d'une maîtrise en études bibliques de l'école de théologie et d'apologétique de l'Université Trinity en Inde ; et un doctorat basé sur la recherche en action sociale chrétienne (Northwestern Christian University, 2021). Il a suivi une formation en leadership dispensée par l'International Leadership Foundation, basée aux États-Unis ; et a été certifié en tant que facilitateur de leadership et de gouvernance et coach de vie en 2017. Depuis 2011, il est pasteur à l'église PTI. Il est l'un des fondateurs et représentant légal de l'organisation Greenland Alliance, qui enseigne le leadership aux jeunes, notamment ceux des universités. Il a été directeur exécutif du GLI Institute, basé à Kampala, de 2018 à 2020 ; et il a été chargé de cours à temps partiel à l’International Leadership University et à l’Université Sagesse d’Afrique, deux universités basées à Bujumbura. Acher Niyonizigiye est chercheur et écrivain. Il est l'auteur de cinq livres et de centaines d'articles. Il aime enseigner le leadership et coacher de jeunes leaders. Il croit que connaître Dieu aide à devenir un meilleur leader, qui peut bénéficier à la communauté, au pays et même au monde entier. Acher Niyonizigiye est marié à Kigeme Liberate. Ils ont trois enfants : Niyonizigiye Obed, Niyonizigiye Edna et Niyonizigiye Dave Acher Niyonizigiye He was born in 1978. He studied languages (Linguistics and English Literature) at the University of Burundi, theological studies and leadership (theology and leadership) at the University “Great Lakes School of Theology and Leadership". He was an assistant lecturer at the University of Burundi (2006-2010), where he taught linguistics and literature. He has a Masters in Biblical Studies from Trinity University School of Theology and Apologetics in India; and a research-based PhD in Christian Social Action (Northwestern Christian University, 2021). He completed a leadership training provided by the International Leadership Foundation, which is based in the USA; and was certified as a Leadership and Governance facilitators and life coach in 2017. Since 2011, he has been serving as a Pastor at PTI Church. He is one of the founders and legal representative of the Greenland Alliance organization, teaching leadership to young people, especially those in universities. He was the Executive Director of the Kampala-based GLI Institute from 2018 to 2020; and he has been a part-time lecturer at the International Leadership University and the Université Sagesse d’Afrique, two universities based in Bujumbura. Acher Niyonizigiye is a researcher and writer. He has authored five books and hundreds of articles of articles. He enjoys teaching leadership and coaching young leaders. He believes that knowing God helps to become a better leader, who can benefit the community, the country and even the whole world. Acher Niyonizigiye is married to Kigeme Liberate. They have three children: Niyonizigiye Obed, Niyonizigiye Edna and Niyonizigiye Dave

Tirzah Hea Halder is a dedicated youth development and program management professional with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Currently serving as a Program Coordinator at Mennonite Central Committee, she has built strong expertise in project coordination, partner engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and cross-cultural facilitation. She holds a Master’s degree in Governance and Development Studies from Jahangirnagar University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University. With additional certifications in data analysis, visualization, and program management, Tirzah is particularly passionate about environment, gender and development, and youth empowerment, bringing both academic knowledge and practical skills to her work in building stronger communities.

Welcome to Great Lakes Peacebuilding Institute website.We are honored to welcome you to our learning platform dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the African Great Lakes Region and else where in Africa. Through our actions, we strive to foster social cohesion, strengthen peace builders, and support communities on their path to stability. We invite you to discover our Institute. Your commitment and collaboration are invaluable in achieving our shared mission. Please consult our 2024 report to learn more about our activities during the previous year: Download the 2024 Report English French

He is an experienced Burundian academic, holding two bachelor's degrees (in Economic and Administrative Sciences, and in Law), two master's degrees (in Administration and Management, and in Public Law), and a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Management. Currently serving as the Rector of the Polytechnic University of Gitega, he has been a university professor since 2006 and has held various academic leadership positions, including Dean, Director of Research, Director of Quality Assurance, and Director of Academic Services. He also works as a consultant, trainer, and resource person for several organizations and development projects.

O V E R V I E W 2022 OCTOBER INSTITUTE This is the annual month-long training institute organized by GLPI in the month of October and usually held in Gitega, Burundi. Participants come from the Great Lakes region or anywhere across Africa. The training, which is done in both English and French, is comprised of eight week-long course modules on peacebuilding and organizational and community development which participants could choose from. The full month includes classroom-based discussions, group activities, field visits, week-end teambuilding activities, panel presentations, special learning sessions, opening and closing ceremonies, football match and cultural solidarity night. There is an option to attend the entire month or only certain weeks. PEACEBUILDING TRACK Response to Stress and Trauma Week One Conflict Analysis Week Two Fundamental Frameworks for Peacebuilding Week Three Conflict Sensitivity and Do-No-Harm Week Four Organizational and Community Development Track Organizational and Community Leadership Week One Project Design, Implementation and Management Week Two Fund Raising and Resource Mobilization Strategies Week Three Designing and Implementing Effective Monitoring and Evaluation Week Four FACULTY Issa Sadi Ebombolo Peacebuilding Coordinator, MCC Zambia and Malawi Dr. Mulanda Jimmy Juma Country Representative, MCC DRC and Angola William Kiptoo Peacebuilding Coordinator, MCC Kenya Acher NIYONIZIGIYE Richard Makuza MCC Rwanda - Burundi Dr Silas SAYUMWE Yves IRAKOZE International protection Officer With Non violent Peaceforce Adrienne Derstine Program and Food Security Coordinator, MCC Burundi REQUIREMENTS CURRICULUM VITAE RECOMMENDATION LETTER REGISTRATION FEE APPLICATION FORM Per course / Per week : USD 500 Per month / Four weeks : USD 1800 PARTICIPATION FEES INCLUDES Special Learning Sessions Special Learning Sessions Football Match or Sports Day Learning Tours and Community Visits Visit to Cultural and Historical Sites Tree Planting Teambuilding Activities Opening and Closing Ceremonies Morning Devotions Panel Presentations Cultural Solidarity Night Organization Presentations CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Minimum of high school or secondary level of education; Competency in either French or English both in verbal and written communication; Willingness to participate in an intentional learning environment and clear understanding of goals for the training; Compelling description of plans on how the skills and strategies learned from the training can be applied in their respective communities; Open to healthy discussions and dialogues in a multi-cultural environment; and Commitment to peace, non-violence and reconciliation. GRADUATION At the end of the training, participants who have completed the courses will receive a certificate testifying their participation. N.B: Only participants who have completed the courses will have access to the documentation provided by GLPI and are the only ones authorized to use them in other training courses. Mail us for more info

Explores the complex relationship between environmental issues and conflict dynamics, focusing on how competition over land, water, minerals, forests, and other natural resources can trigger or intensify tensions—especially in fragile contexts. The course analyzes local and global case studies to understand the root causes, actors involved, and the socio-political implications of resource-based conflicts. Students will also examine strategies for conflict prevention and resolution, including environmental governance, equitable resource management, and community participation in peacebuilding.

ALUMNI NETWORK One way that determines GLPI impact is through the stories, testimonies, and initiatives shared by the alumni members who have participated in the GLPI trainings and are applying their learnings in their respective homes, organizations, and communities. It is important for GLPI to continue to encourage alumni connections and engagements. Note: If you are an alumni, we would like to hear from you. Please let us know how you are doing by clicking the box below. Reconnect with us Mapenzi Munyagala Paulin Communication and Advocacy Officer, Africa Reconciled Goma, DRC GLPI October 2017 Alumni Paulin is currently in-charge of the communication and advocacy work of an organization in DRC called Africa Reconciled, which works with youth and women to develop their leadership potentials. Being in-charge of communication and advocacy, he manages a radio program which discusses issues related to peaceful co-existence, active non-violence and conflict resolution in the Great Lakes Region. This radio program, which he calls a “peace program”, is broadcasted among four (4) radio stations in the North and South Kivu province in the eastern DRC. Apart from managing this radio program, he also works as a correspondent for the Congo Forum website, which is an online platform raising awareness on issues affecting the peace and security in DRC. He said that through his GLPI trainings in October 2017, he found himself a new identity as a “peace journalist”, given also his involvements in different forms of mass media. He became more committed in prioritizing peace promotion in his work. He also became more encouraged to give platforms for young people to talk about their involvement in peacebuilding, including establishment of peace clubs. He believes that the GLPI trainings he attended in 2017 gave him great awareness about conflict analysis, peacebuilding, trauma healing, and sustainable development. The GLPI trainings also gave him several innovative ideas such as producing photo stories and writing several articles that encourage peace. “I just would like to continue sharing with others my experiences, especially for us who address post-conflict issues despite the challenges involved in our work”, he shared. “We must know that peace must be an everyday commitment by accepting other people regardless of backgrounds, because we are all the same children of God. This is my daily commitment as a peace journalist, and I owe much of my inspiration to GLPI”, he added. Ntahuba Parfaite National Coordinator, Friends Women’s Association Bujumbura, Burundi 2016 Special Module Alumni (Reflective Peace Practice) Parfaite is greatly involved in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in Burundi. As such, she runs trauma healing workshops for GBV survivors through the Rape Survivors Support (RSS) program and organize them into self-help groups in order to collectively plan on economic opportunities to sustain their family needs. She shared how most Burundian women suffer in private homes because they are forced to become 100% economically dependent on their husbands without giving them the right to decide for their family’s welfare. By August 2018, the program was able to organize 20 self-help groups (comprising of 20 women per group), which is quite an accomplishment from starting with only 5 groups at the beginning of the year. Part of her work is coordinating a program called Action on Gender-Based Violence (AGBV) which is focused on involving religious leaders and locally elected leaders to take up on the role to prevent GBV in their respective communities. Parfaite shared that GLPI had taught her to analyze a conflict well before intervening: “About the RSS program, we had been running trauma healing workshops. Then, we had to give small loans to women. They were not able to pay back. The result was that they could not come back to our center. They were again traumatized. Then, we started to organize trauma healing workshops only. After GLPI training, I have understood that we need to find another approach to empower women economically as this is the root cause of their suffering. Now, I am proud to have a total number of 400 women who are organized into self-help groups. This approach helps to increase their family income, but also it a good way to build relationships as they are meeting every week. They support each other if for instance one of them is hospitalized.” Another learning she gained from GLPI is that efforts remain meaningless as long as the religious leaders and local administration are not involved in their initiatives. This is why since 2016, after the GLPI training, they have started to include them in their programs. “As a Pastor, some of my fellow religious leaders think that I have lost my pastoral call. For them, they interpret the Bible saying that women should submit to their husbands. For them, they interpret the Bible in a wrong way”, she said, believing that everyone has important role in respecting the rights of women in the family and in the society as a whole. Muhawenimana Francine Peace Libraries Coordinator, Transformational Leadership Centre Kigali, Rwanda 2018 Special Module Alumni (Youth Peace Clubs) Francine is working with the Transformational Leadership Centre (TLC) in Rwanda which works on peacebuilding and manages five (5) children’s peace libraries in the country. She coordinates these five peace libraries, and guides children who come to their libraries to read and borrow books. She works with several children from neighbouring schools by training them through “peace mediation” program, which is a program they promote to help young people acquire the skills to solve conflict issues among their peers. The peace mediation program allows them to also form peace clubs in schools where they are working with, and encourage students to be part of these peace clubs. “Through the GLPI training on youth peace clubs, I have learned a lot about understanding the difference between conflict and violence, the implementation of peace clubs, the different ways in which we can respond to children’s behaviours, and the importance of non-violent communication as a conflict resolution tool”, Francine shared about her learnings from GLPI. “I have started to mobilize teachers to stop violence by allowing corporal punishment among students. I have also used the discussions from GLPI to be able to produce stronger proposals that would give us more capacity to organize youth peace clubs in Rwanda,” she added. Finally, she had this to say to encourage others: “I want to stay that peace is not an action of one people. It asks many people to work together. If we want sustainable peace, we need to teach the youth, and help them to live peacefully in their day to day life.” TESTIMONIES