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Where We Work
SHALOM Project
The English translation of the Hebrew word shalom is peace. The modern English definition of peace is an absence of tension or war. But the word shalom has a much deeper meaning which relates to wholeness, right relationship with God, with creation and fellow beings. The project envisions restoration of peace and holistic development of the communities leading to Shalom.
The birth of Conflict in Nepal
Why the conflict emerged? Why the disharmony was disturbed? Probing on such questions will lead us to the basis of conflict and the most appropriate strategic intervention. Gathering money through corruption and political influence creates resentment within the society. When people are deprived of their right to work and earn livelihood, they protest. When the limit to tolerate exceeds, such protests may eventually end up in violence and armed conflict.
Abject poverty of the majority of the rural population is one of the major causes of Maoist conflict, according to analysts. The marginalised are looked down upon and are discriminated in the society. A report by the human rights group INSEC indicates that the reasons for the insurgency are prevailing social and economic disparities; social discrimination; poverty and unemployment. (INSEC, 2002).
"Poverty, social exclusion, internal conflict within and among political parties contributed to the conflict. The insurgency, Palace takeover and disarray among political parties threatened the state's ability to function effectively
...". (USAID report 2005)
Rebuilding the infrastructure and rebuilding the lives of people is the key to a bright future.
The Affected Communities
Rural communities became victims of accusations and counter accusations by the Maoist combatants. The migrant or Internally Displaced People (IDP's) are not sure about their future on return back home to their respective communities. The damage and destruction caused to infrastructure such as bridges, schools, health post irrigation projects, project offices and other buildings had an adverse impact on the development and well being rural communities.
The Cost of Conflict
Nepal Economic Association (NEA) conducted a survey in 2003. The approximate loss due to insurgency has exceeded 60 billion Nepali rupees. The cost of human casualties has not been included in this figure. The migration to cities and India has had a negative impact on the rural economy.
The Response
Through the proposed project, efforts will be made to restore normalcy in the six Districts. The project will focus on building up the shattered communities and helping them to restore broken interpersonal relationship. The youth will be given an opportunity to begin their life afresh, damaged infrastructure will be rebuilt with community participation. The local self Government will be strengthened by training the elected leaders for better governance. The community will be strengthened with renewed awareness of their rights and duties. Awareness will be created on prevailing and proposed legislation. The networking for advocacy will be done to raise the voice of the voiceless.
Now is the time to heal the old wounds and to build a new South Africa (Nelson Mandela). This saying is truly applicable to Nepal today.
The Rehabilitation
The youth Maoist combatants who armed themselves to fight during the insurgency need to be rehabilitated. Communities in rural Nepal especially those most affected by the conflict look forward to sustainable peace. Their economic and social conditions need to be improved, they deserve quality of life.
Healing is required
Without inner healing, reconciliation can not take place. The victims and affected persons of the conflict had undergone traumatic experiences. Death of dear ones, loss of property and sexual abuse has shattered their lives. The victim and victimiser are both affected in one way or the other. In fact the victims often became the victimisers. Healing of memories, healing of relationships and heeling of emotions is clearly needed.
Forgiving and receiving forgiveness
Forgiveness is the pass word for reconciliation which leads to wholeness in the communities. Adequate preparation to receive and give forgiveness is of utmost importance. It is a process which requires time and constant efforts. A process through which the communities struggle together to identify the hard truth of wrongs committed, acknowledge the need to look forward to the future and an attempt to forgive the wrongdoers. It is a painful and difficult process. To give momentum to these process efforts at Government level, political level and individual level is required.
Restoring Relationships
Relationships are based on trust. The insurgency has damaged the fine fabric of relationships. Restoring broken relationships is a challenging move that needs care and caution. Mediation to bring people together to talk and deal with their emotions needs utmost care and sensitivity.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation with oneself, reconciliation with creation and creator and reconciliation with other human beings is not an intellectual exercise but a spiritual search. Walking with people to this spiritual search is a challenging adventure.
Basis of Christian response
- Peacemaking: Blessed are the peacemakers – (Matthew 5:9)
- Love: Love your neighbour and your enemies
- Forgiveness: Forgive each other
- People are created in God's image
Develop a vision for sustainable peace
It is important that people have hope for the future. After conflict, the immediate concern is often dealing with the physical, social and psychological devastation that it has caused.
People usually feel negative, and do not necessarily give attention to the future until the effects of the conflict have been addressed. But having a vision gives people something to work towards and renews hope.
Working Strategy
- Identify local partners
- Develop programmes with communities
- Network with other NGO's and stakeholders
- Share resources and expertise with other program implementers
- Seek participation of leaders within the communities such as teachers, pastors, priests, mullahs, politicians. Together work out strategies and plans to restore peace and appropriately strengthen their skills.
Priority Interventions
- Restore peace, confidence and trust
- Rebuild the infrastructure
- Simultaneously work towards Holistic development
Objectives of the Project
- Rehabilitation of youth, men, women and children affected by conflict in six Districts.
- To reconstruct and repair damaged buildings of VDC/ community buildings, in six districts.
- To improve relationships between and amongst communities in six districts.
- To train 200 VDC and DDC leaders in governance in six districts
- To enhance the knowledge of the community on legal issues, legislation and Government policies in six districts.
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Weather
Exchange Rate
| Currency |
Buying |
Selling |
| US $ |
74.55 |
75.15 |
| Pound £ |
114.96 |
115.88 |
| Australian Dollar |
67.67 |
68.21 |
| Euro € |
95.54 |
96.30 |
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