Following over 2 decades of conflict, political developments in the past 2 years ushered hope that Somalia is at long last on the path to sustainable peace and reconciliation. However, stabilization, peace, and reconciliation in emerging states can only be reached through civic dialogue with the various stakeholders. This sector works towards the promotion of multi-stakeholder consensus on state building and governance.
It also increases the capacity of key stakeholders to prevent, mitigate and resolve conflicts. Vision Corps Initiative stimulates public participation in peace and reconciliation efforts. Peace forums are held with community opinion leaders (local administrators, Women groups, civil society, clan elders, and religious leaders) to pave the way for inclusive and transparent political transformation in Somalia.
Sports is the only true element that unites youths of all cultures around the world. In Kenya, a multi-ethnic nation, youths are polarized and ethnically charged. With the high rate of unemployment in the country which currently stands at 43%, youths are vulnerable and easily exploited by politicians during the electioneering period with the slightest rise of political and ethnic temperatures. And because of the political and ethnic-inclined escalating tensions among the youths of Eastleigh, unity was needed.
Vision Corps Initiative has successfully launched a football tournament which successfully made the integration possible. The initiative enhanced the capacity of the inhabitants, community leaders, and the security sector in strengthening conflict prevention mechanisms in the area. Vision Corps Initiative also conducted training in mediation and reconciliation programs in the peace-building initiative and built a framework that supports the locals in restoring and protecting their dignity and achieving social independence, more so the slum dwellers, crime victims, and people facing the risk of crime.
