
Peace Begins With A Smile
DREP Centre brings together youths, women, leaders and other grassroots members of various religious, political and ethnic groups for the purpose of experiencing and learning together the art of dialogue, reconciliation and peace building. We provide an opportunity for sharing of experiences to promote trust and reconciliation, which will in turn equip the participants for peace building in their own communities.
We bring stakeholders together to listen to each other, live alongside each other for a short time within learning and retreating environment, and by themselves provide alternative to violence. The Centre is a home for all: youths, women, men, traditional and community leaders, religious leaders, politicians and special groups such as trade unions and civil society/peace organization needing physical space to engage in trainings, mediation and other facilitated interventions. It is a retreating environment, one that is ideal for conflicting parties needing psychological safe space to tell their stories and to listen to one another.
DREP Centre places more emphasis on educating and organizing programs for women, youths, traditional and religious actors because of their importance in the society and the role they play in conflict situation. We help them build friendship in a more tranquil environment.
We strive towards producing an empowered and reconciled community, encouraging people to listen and then begin a dialogue with those who are doing what is believed to be wrong. This is seen in our numerous trainings, facilitated dialogue sessions, and other psychosocial support services.
We prioritize the empowerment of women and youths, ensuring their inclusive participation in all our activities. We seek their leadership, participation, and perspectives, recognizing their vital role in shaping a more equitable future.
Advocacy and Lobbying: We amplify the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for their rights and interests. We work tirelessly to effect positive change, pushing for policies and practices that promote justice, equality, and peace.
The Centre engages youths who have either dropped out of school or do not have the resources to pursue formal education. This is based on our belief that wide spread illiteracy among youths is a major conflict driver. Activities here include sports and art for peace, which is geared towards transforming possible pain and anger into creativity.