“Today, as one, we want to kindle a flame of hope. May the lamps we will place be so many signs of a light that continues to shine forth in the dark.”
— Pope Francis, speech on July 7, 2018
In the context of the wake of the Arab revolutions, Development and Peace — Caritas Canada is helping its partner, the Adyan Foundation, run a broad-spectrum program to promote peace, reconciliation and coexistence between individuals and communities. In a region scarred by past and current conflicts, this work is essential to fostering positive discourse and building more inclusive societies that value diversity.
Training the trainers
To educators, trainers and education policymakers from 10 Arab countries, Adyan Foundation’s “train the trainers” program provides the knowledge, tools and skills to understand and implement education for diversity, interculturality and inclusive citizenship. Program participants develop a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities and become better equipped to live together in peace. By integrating these notions into their everyday functions, participants have a multiplier effect in their home countries.
“Dialogue is a way to build ties and trust between myself and another, and to better understand and accept one another. I am responsible for sharing my ideas and receiving the ideas of others. The link between dialogue and peace is essential.”
— Rasha Elkhateeb, Egypt (testimonial given during the Together for Peace Share Lent 2018 campaign)
Your generosity has allowed Development and Peace to support the participation in this program of 100 community leaders from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Sudan, all of whom have returned to their countries.
In this Advent season, let us work to make lasting peace a reality for the vulnerable victims of conflict around the world.
This Christmas, give the gift of peace!
Also read
•An advent of hope: The story of Victoria Filibus
•An advent of love: The story of Fatuma and Hawa
