Peace Cells
PCO has established 12 community peace cells throughout the camp, one for each camp zone. The Peace Cells are responsible for conflict resolution training and facilitation of dialogue and reconciliation in the broader Buduburam community, working from their zone outward. The Peace Cell discussion leaders are local volunteers trained in facilitation.
The discussion groups are intended to raise awareness on domestic violence, community conflict, national and tribal violence, misunderstandings and hatred. Discussions are augmented by case studies and presentations on concrete strategies for recognizing, preventing, and resolving conflicts nonviolently. Some of the topics addressed in peace cell meetings include anger management strategies, causes of and solutions to tribal prejudice and hatred, practical pathways to forgiveness and reconciliation, basic mediation and negotiation strategies to use in relationships and neighborhoods, and causes of and solutions to domestic violence.
The objectives of the Peace Cell project as a whole are to educate on, and promote, long-term socio-political solutions to conflict from the family and neighborhood levels up, and to promote strategies for conflict resolution in the community. More specifically, Peace Cells are tasked with:
- Developing the awareness of, and confidence to disclose, hidden fears and beliefs, hatred, and desire for revenge.
- Developing the ability to dialogue and communicate as a fundamental form of conflict resolution.
- Developing and promoting strategies for long-term reconciliation.
- Developing rehabilitation and peace-building strategies for ex-combatants and child soldiers.
- Increasing awareness of the causes of conflict and violence in the Liberian community.
- Achieving a deeper understanding of perceived differences among Liberian tribes.
- Increasing awareness and involvement of the community in PCO’s peace-building activities.
