Towards peace of mind

Since the early 1990s, the Great Lakes region in Africa (Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania) has been ravaged by civil wars, interstate conflicts and complex political reforms. Thousands of civilians were physically and mentally injured by armed violence and conflicts. Due to the (former and ongoing) armed conflicts, communities have been destabilised and traditional social structures have been damaged, leaving people vulnerable to various threats to their wellbeing, fundamental rights, peace and security.

For these reasons, the War Trauma Foundation chose the Great Lakes region as a priority area. There is a severe shortage of psychosocial care for the affected population, and local organisations are increasingly aware of the importance of adequate psychosocial care. Since 2005, the WTF implements narrative theatre programmes, in partnership with local organisations, in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to the realise hope, peace of mind and the achievement of the full potential of these communities that have been impacted by individual and collective trauma, as a result of war and organised violence.

Narrative theatre is a creative methodology developed within the specific local and cultural context of the Great Lake Region by Dr. Yvonne Sliep (University of KwaZulu Natal and trainer for the War Trauma Foundation). This methodology enhances dialogue and problem solving in communities where traditional methods of resolving issues have been disrupted due to conflict, and addresses emerging challenges that requires an adjusted approach to a new, post conflict reality. Through narrative theatre, opportunities are created for people to meet and explore their problems together (such as domestic/sexual abuse, theft, mistrust, poverty, etc), to exchange stories and feelings, and to share their experiences from different perspectives. They can experiment with different solutions for specific problems and decide how to move forward, collectively. This method allows for recognition and inclusion of groups who are marginalised or vulnerable, for a peaceful method of exploring very difficult issues, and helps to contribute to stability and the restoration of trust and positive, functional relationships in communities exposed to tragedy, loss and violence.

War-affected communities can develop new ways to face and resolve their complex problems, and create safe environments for youth to realise their full potential. Narrative theatre is a demonstrated, effective and popular vehicle for community members to open dialogue on taboo problems, and to find new and creative solutions to post conflict challenges. Focused on restoring social capital and trust, narrative theatre contributes to peace building and non-violent conflict resolution, thereby strengthening communities.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is at the heart of the Great Lakes region, where years of internal and external conflicts, have caused millions of casualties. Thirty years of dictatorship under President Mobutu, and a subsequent series of regional wars (1997 and 1998-2002) has left the country economically and socially damaged. Despite a wealth of mineral resources, the DRC is one of the world's poorest countries. Many people had fled their homes and lost relatives and loved ones through violence, or were themselves victims of systematic rape and torture. Fear, suspicion and insecurity dominate the communities, and are continuing to bar the way to building a peaceful future.

The War Trauma Foundation works with a group of local organisations around Bukavu, Uvira and South Kivu (eastern DRC). Aid workers from these local organisations have been trained to offer psychosocial support, based on the narrative theatre methodology, to the communities in their region. The main focus is to learn how to cope with traumatic experiences, to support the reintegration of people back into the community, and to support the pursuit for mutual reconciliation. These organisations are provided with trainers from The Centre Ubuntu in Burundi, enhancing the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two countries. A local employee of the War Trauma Foundation (part time) is provides assistance to the local organisations in the DRC to increase organisational capacity. In 2012, trainings related to narrative theatre and organisational developments are being carried out.

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