Peace Project

Let’s Bring Change through Peace Building

South Sudan has been battered by continuous conflict for over 25 years. The country became independent in 2011 after a long war with the North, but soon after that inter-clan and tribal conflicts began and continue to cause unrest today. War has left enmity in the hearts of people. Hostility can become a habit in the day to day life of people in South Sudan. Clashes between different tribes are common. There are few opportunities for people to be informed about or engage in dialogue for peace building and intercultural understanding.

This project contributes to peace building in South Sudan through key leaders promoting peace building through their networks. It encourages peaceful and positive contact with each other, and aims to foster positive attitudes to peace building amongst young people.

This project brings together church and non-church community leaders from different tribes for workshops about peace building and establishes peace clubs in primary and high schools in Juba.

The LAID Foundation of South Sudan (LAFOSS) is our partner in this project. LAFOSS is part of the ministry of a Church of Christ that was planted in Juba by two pastors, one from each of the main rival tribes. Its existence is a testimony to the potential of peace. LAFOSS extends our connection with Churches of Christ in South Sudan as LAFOSS aims to work in Malakal, Bentiu and Juba, all locations where CMI is not active.

The second peace building project has completed a community workshop and will next rollout a community awareness raising program and school peace clubs.

Martha, who is the head girl at her school refused to say how many people she met from different tribes at the school leader’s workshop,

“No. Before the war we were in different tribes, but now we not separated by tribes. So no one was this tribe or this tribe (at the workshop). We are not going to do that (any more).”  – Martha attending the training workshop in how to lead a peace club in your school.