Empowering Women Forest Defenders in Cambodia

One of the things that makes our peacebuilding project unique is that students (we call them Peacebuilders) return to us many times for an in-depth study on their selected topic. Peace Bridges is not a one-and-done training organization! After their initial courses, peacebuilders can choose to go deeper into conflict transformation and resolution or family reconciliation, depending on what will help them in their own work. Over the last few months, our hardworking staff at have been guiding six cohorts of peacebuilders through modules on their selected topics.

Participants learned about the entire conflict resolution process, from collecting information, conflict mapping, bringing together conflict parties, and helping them reach a mutually agreeable solution. Peacebuilding is also a personal journey as well as something done for the community; therefore, our peacebuilders reflected on their own attitudes and habits to see how they participate in and react to conflicts.

Learning does not all happen by sitting and listening to an instructor. Peace Bridges' trainers facilitated dialogue between participants and encouraged even the shy people to share. Many of them said they gained confidence to share their ideas with others through this process. They also had a lot of fun with teambuilding activities, evident by the big smiles and infectious laughter from our peacebuilders.

The participants in one of our cohorts reflected on what they learned and what they will let go of as them move forward with their peacebuilding journey. Here is what they said: 

What we learned:

• How to create problem lists
• Reframing and paraphrasing
• Developing options in conflict
• Positive thinking
• Evaluating and following up on resolutions
• Being respectful

The things we let go:

• Not listening to people
• Avoiding conflict
• Acting and speaking aggressively
• Confronting people disrespectfully
• Being controlling of others
• Not thinking critically

Links:

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