In November and December 2006, a most remarkable event took place: the first core training In Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) for both current teams and for reserves.

This training, held at Shalom House in Nairobi, included 23 trainees from 15 different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. The 12 women and 11 men ranged in age from 22 to 62. Our training team included Ombok Otieno , Oloo Otieno and Lyn Adamson. The team first held a four-day assessment conducted by Atif Hameed (team member in the Philippines) and Simonetta Constanza Pittaluga (an IGC member on NP’s training subcommittee). The assessment was followed by three weeks of training.

The training had a strong emphasis on the development of team awareness, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as deepening understanding of nonviolence and the skills involved in presence, observation, and accompaniment work. When Atif and Oloo shared their Sri Lanka team experiences they made the work of NP come alive for participants. Others shared their experiences with Peace Brigades teams in Mexico, Indonesia, and Colombia.

Practical experience through role playing is vital in the training. Many participants became team members during the two simulations offered, while others stepped into the shoes of child soldiers, civilians, and armed combatants (soldiers and rebels). Dozens of local community members joined in to create a very real setting for practice.

Another highlight was a field trip to a contested area in Kenya, Yala Swamp. Luo community members have suffered losses of land, housing, and livelihood as a corporate agricultural company (Dominion Farms) develops land for rice production. Access to clean water is also a major issue. Participants in the field visit interviewed the Luo community members, then visited the offices of Dominion Farms where the company’s perspective on the issues was presented.

Andreas Schramm and Jen Ouellette provided video feedback and facilitated discussion on nonverbal communication and its role in escalation and de-escalation of conflicts.

We are thankful to those donors whose financial support of this training has helped to prepare new team members for the Philippines project, the Sri Lanka team, and for upcoming NP projects in Colombia and Uganda, as well as for reserves. Without this support, our training work would not be possible.

TO READ A PERSONAL ACCOUNT BY ONE OF THE TRAINEES CLICK HERE