Promoting Peaceful Coexistence through Community Social Contracts in Burundi and the Great Lakes Region

Welcome to Changemakers and thank you for starting this important group.

My first role with Changemakers 3 years ago was coordinating our Entrepreneuring Peace Campaign. I had the chance to talk with hundreds of organizations and individuals who were working passionately for creating a more peaceful world. There were many entries in this competition that were exceptional. One of my favorites was Promoting Peaceful Coexistance Through Community Social Contracts in Burudin and the Great Lakes Region http://www.changemakers.com/en-us/node/12081

I remember this quote: "when your real or perceived enemy is your neighbour, and you have killed or burned the houses of each others families, it is far from obvious how to decide to trust each other and live in peace for the future. The promotion of Peaceful Coexistence through Community Social Contracts was started by ACORD Burundi in response to the great need for national reconciliation and forgiveness."

"We went to see our neighbours who had fled and who were in refugee camps, bringing with us local beer as a sign of peace. They were willing to come back, but were afraid. We invited them to come to the negotiations where we would all speak the truth of events. We asked forgiveness and signed a contract never to be enemies again."

The "contract" reached every level of the communities. I read that children from "enemy families" were given a goat to raise together. If they were successful they were given another goat and together two family through their children begain to develop emerging opportunities to develop sustainable households.

I was moved by this and many entries. If you had a chance to reach out to this group I am sure they would be interested to hear of your work.