PEACE-BUILDING PROGRAM
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Peacebuilding for Sustainable Communities
Mary Help Association (MHA), under the Catholic Diocese of Wau, is committed to fostering peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion in conflict-affected communities in its areas of operation. Guided by Christian values of love, justice, and forgiveness, we work to address the root causes of violence and empower communities to build lasting peace.
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Positive Process.
Since its inception, MHA has integrated peacebuilding into its humanitarian and development programs, recognizing that true progress cannot exist without peace.
In 2024, with the support of Caritas Germany, we expanded our efforts by conducting peace trainings, dialogues, and mediation sessions between conflicting communities.
We believe that communities have the power to drive their own peace processes.
By strengthening local leadership, fostering dialogue, and addressing the root causes of conflict, we help build a South Sudan where reconciliation and development go hand in hand.
Key Causes of Conflict Addressed:
- Land and resource disputes
- Cattle raids (inter-communal violence)
- Returnee-host community tensions
- Political and ethnic divisions
Focus Areas
MHA’s peacebuilding interventions are currently active in:
- Nagero County (Western Equatoria)
- Tonj North County (Warrap State)
- Wau county (Western Bahr El Ghazal)
- Jur River County (Western Bahr El Ghazal)
All this focus areas are areas that communities frequently get involved in conflict …
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Our Peacebuilding Interventions
1. Community Dialogues
We facilitate inclusive peace dialogues that bring together all key stakeholders – local government officials, political leaders, community elders, church leaders, women’s groups (as vital peacemakers), and youth representatives. These constructive discussions produce concrete, actionable resolutions and establish local peace committees to ensure implementation and accountability. Through this participatory approach, we create sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms owned and driven by the community itself, leading to lasting reconciliation and stability.
2. Peace Education & Training
- Workshops on conflict resolution, trauma healing, and non-violent communication
- Training for youth and women as peace ambassadors
- Promoting inter-communal sports and cultural events to foster unity
3. Integrating Peace into All Programs
MHA ensures that food security, education, and health programs incorporate peacebuilding by:
- Encouraging shared resource management (water points, grazing lands)
- Supporting joint livelihood projects between rival communities
- Promoting social cohesion in schools
Why Focus on Women and Youth?
- Women play a critical role in conflict resolution and community healing.
- Youth are often both perpetrators and victims of violence—we engage them as peacebuilders, not fighters.
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