Song and dance are one of the unique ways through which people express their emotions, be it joy, sorrow, hope etc. During a conflict management sensitization workshop with community leaders in Ezinyangeni, Nkayi participants spontaneously broke into song. This was after a session on the nexus between peace and development where participants realised that the progress or failure of community initiatives lies in the hands of the people themselves. The word "zenzele" which features prominently in the song means "do it yourself". An empowered community is a resilient one but in the absence of peace there can be no sustainable development, so it all begins with peace. ... See more

The majestic Matobo Hills are not only one of Zimbabwe's major tourist attractions but they also hold a key place in the history of our people. If these Hills could talk they would tell of Bantu people whose cultural heritage and religious rites are closely tied to the hills, of visitors who came and were so awed by their majesty they opted to have their remains interred there, of harmony between men and graceful wild beasts who call this place home. But these Hills have also witnessed terrible things: they could tell of people displaced from the land of their forefathers, of lives lost in battles, of a fight between humans and wildlife for space and survival, of wild beasts poached for their ivory and now on the brink of extinction and of fights (sometimes fatal) over the land's mineral wealth.

Conflict, in the past and the present has tainted the beauty of these majestic hills and this is how ECLF has come to find it's place in the communities living within these tranquil hills. In Matobo district ECLF is helping communities find each other, use positive strategies to manage their current and past conflicts and jointly map, implement initiatives to contribute to inclusive and sustainable peace and development. ... See more

Everyday provides us with an opportunity to contribute to peaceful co-existance in our families, the work place, our community and even the nation as a whole. What are you doing to help foster positive, sustainable peace? ... See more

WEEKLY ROUND UP
This week our team of facilitators were kept busy with a series of activities in Bulawayo, Nkayi and Bikita.

In Bulawayo we are continuing with capacity building sessions with church leaders focusing on conflict management and gender justice, taking into cognizance the engendered nature of conflict within various institutional, socio-cultural and religious contexts. Our approach to gender justice deviates slightly from what many view as the norm, (engaging women) with our focus being more on a gender transformative approach where we want to see more men involved in advocating for gender justice.

In Nkayi and Bikita we are engaging with community leaders to sensitize them on conflict management and resolution within the context of Covid-19. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Local Government we are supporting initiatives to raise awareness on COVID-19 whilst also drawing attention to the multiple drivers of conflict emerging and being excerbated in communities as a result of the pandemic.

Do you want to participate in some of our upcoming activities? Inbox us and we will get in touch to advise you of activities near you ... See more

Today on International Day of Peace we at ECLF reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the ideals of peace.

This year’s theme, Shaping Peace Together, recognises the interconnectedness of our global community. At this critical time when the list of challenges to peace is growing, we continue to work alongside the multiple stakeholders in our communities toward national peace and security. This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security, and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world, Zimbabwe not excluded, into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.

Join us in celebrating the day by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the pandemic, let us promote love, empathy and peace among people living around the globe irrespective of race, ethnicity, religious or political affiliation.

Peace begins with me, peace begins with you, peace begins with all of us. ... See more

WHY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE IS IMPORTANT

* It connects us to each other
Nations and communities around the world struggle with poverty and disease, education, and healthcare. The International Day of Peace reminds us that regardless of where we come from or what languages we speak, we are more alike than we are different.

* It reminds us to believe in something bigger than ourselves
We can get caught up in the day-to-day of work and family. But sometimes, it's healthy to reflect on how communities and nations need to get outside our comfort zones. We can have peace when we make an effort to see someone else's perspective or, put another way, to "walk a mile in their shoes."

* It demonstrates that small actions can make big impacts
We can all contribute to the worldwide culture of peace be that through prayer, advocacy, education, and respecting others. If each of us did one small thing to bring about peace, even each week, think of the global impact this would have! ... See more

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.

In March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and focus on the battle against this unprecedented global pandemic. While the message is intended for armed parties, solidarity and cooperation across borders, sectors and generations are also needed to win this new fight against the worst public health crisis of our time.

For the United Nations, 2020 was already meant to be a year of listening and learning. To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN has invited millions of people worldwide to join UN75, the largest and furthest-reaching global conversation on building the peaceful and prosperous future that we want.

As we struggle to defeat COVID-19, your voice is more important than ever. In these difficult times of physical distancing, this International Day of Peace will be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas. The world will be invited to unite and share thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together.

The 2020 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.” Celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred. Join us so that we can shape peace together. ... See more

#SilencingTheGuns

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fire a number of underlying challenges in countries all over the world. Lack of investment in public health systems, income inequalities and poverty, ethnic and racial discrimination and the toll of armed conflict amongst others.
ECLF stands together with the AU in calling for an end to armed conflict on the African continent - a failure to #silencetheguns will continue to compromise any efforts made by our government's towards sustainable development let alone respond effectively to disasters such as the COVID Pandemic ... See more

#placing human security first during COVID-19