(Developing Community Resilience and Moving Forward Steps)
Project Overview
The Developing Community Resilience and Moving Forward Steps (DECORAMS) initiative is a peacebuilding programme designed to promote reconciliation and strengthen community resilience in areas affected by conflict. The programme brings together community members and former combatants in a safe and structured environment to encourage dialogue, understanding, and peaceful reintegration.
The training was held in Maiduguri, Borno State, bringing together participants from conflict-affected communities, including victims of insurgency and former combatants who had returned to civilian life.
Objectives
The DECORAMS training aims to:
- Promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence within conflict-affected communities
- Encourage understanding and communication between community members and former combatants
- Reduce stigma and hostility toward individuals undergoing reintegration
- Equip participants with tools for conflict resolution and dialogue
- Support long-term peacebuilding and community resilience
Programme Activities
The training programme consisted of several structured sessions designed to help participants explore the causes and impacts of conflict and develop strategies for reconciliation.
Preparatory Training
Participants were first equipped with communication and dialogue skills that allowed them to express grievances constructively while also learning to listen to opposing perspectives with empathy.
Understanding Conflict
Facilitators introduced participants to the causes, stages, and impacts of conflict. Participants shared personal experiences and discussed how conflict has affected individuals and communities.
Reconciliation and Dialogue
Participants explored the concept of reconciliation and its components, including truth, forgiveness, justice, and healing. Practical reconciliation skills such as negotiation, mediation, and dialogue were also discussed.
Trauma Awareness
Sessions on trauma management helped participants understand the psychological impact of conflict and provided strategies for healing and emotional recovery.
Interface Meeting
An interface dialogue session was held where representatives from both community members and former combatants openly discussed their experiences, concerns, and expectations.
During this session:
- Community representatives presented grievances and experiences resulting from the conflict
- Former combatants responded and shared their own perspectives
- Facilitators ensured respectful dialogue and equal participation
This dialogue process created an opportunity for honest conversations and helped build trust between participants.
Impact and Outcomes
The training produced several positive outcomes, including:
- Increased understanding between community members and former combatants
- Reduced stigma toward reintegrated individuals
- Improved communication and conflict resolution skills among participants
- Greater willingness among communities to support reconciliation initiatives
A powerful moment during the programme occurred when two former combatants publicly asked for forgiveness from community members, demonstrating genuine commitment to reconciliation.
Future Plans
To sustain the impact of the training, participants jointly developed community action plans that include:
- Community dialogue sessions
- Awareness programmes on reconciliation
- Local peacebuilding initiatives
These efforts aim to strengthen relationships and prevent the recurrence of violence.