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AFO Peacebuilding Workshop in Partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

📅 09, 25, 2024 | Peacebuilding Workshop

Peacebuilding Workshop in Partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting peace resilience and community cohesion the African Friendship Organization (AFO) organized a comprehensive peacebuilding workshop in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The workshop was conducted under the framework of the (People-to-People Harmony Project) Insijam "which aims to strengthen peaceful coexistence mutual understanding and recovery among conflict-affected communities. The event brought together community leaders women's groups youth representatives and civil society actors from various regions to engage in open dialogue and capacity-building activities. Objectives of the Workshop. The workshop sought to achieve the following objectives:

Enhance participants understanding of peacebuilding principles and their practical application in community settings.

Promote effective natural resource management as a tool for reducing community tensions and preventing conflicts related to land and water use.

Raise awareness and advocate against gender-based violence (GBV), emphasizing the vital role of women in peace and development processes.

Facilitate trauma healing and psychosocial support for individuals and groups affected by conflict and displacement.

Key Sessions and Topics: The workshop consisted of several interactive sessions designed to empower participants with knowledge and practical tools: Natural Resource Management and Conflict Prevention: Participants explored the link between environmental sustainability, equitable access to natural resources, and community peace. Discussions highlighted the importance of collective resource governance and the role of local institutions in resolving disputes. Combating Violence Against Women: This session addressed the root causes and impacts of gender-based violence, promoting strategies for prevention, protection, and advocacy. Participants shared experiences and developed community-level action plans to support women's rights and safety. Trauma Healing and Resilience Building: Through guided discussions and experiential activities facilitators helped participants understand trauma's effects on individuals and communities. The session provided psychosocial tools and coping mechanisms to foster emotional recovery and reconciliation.

Expected Outcomes: By the end of the workshop, participants had: Strengthened their capacity to engage in peacebuilding initiatives. Developed joint strategies for conflict resolution and resource management. Increased their understanding of gender equality and protection principles. Gained essential knowledge and skills to support trauma healing and community harmony.

Conclusion: The peacebuilding workshop represented a significant step toward fostering sustainable peace and inclusive development in local communities. Through the collaborative efforts of AFO & CRS and USAID participants were empowered to act as peace ambassadors promoting dialogue equity and resilience among the irpeople.

AFO Field Offices and Expansion Across Sudan

📅 01 11, 2024 | new offices Across Sudan

The African Friendship Organization (AFO) is a leading national NGO dedicated to empowering women promoting peace and strengthening community resilience across Sudan. To ensure effective implementation and closer engagement with local communities AFO operates through a network of field offices in several key locations. The main headquarters is based in Tor West Jebel Marra which serves as the central coordination and management hub for all programs and activities. In addition AFO runs several sub-offices strategically located in: Zalingei- coordinating humanitarian and development initiatives in Central Darfur. Golo- focusing on women’s empowerment, leadership development, and community participation. Rokero- supporting peacebuilding, protection, and resilience efforts in conflict-affected areas. Tawila- implementing field projects that promote social cohesion, education, and livelihood opportunities. As part of its strategic expansion plan, AFO is currently working to establish new offices in West and South Kordofan, Kassala, the Red Sea State (Port Sudan), South Darfur, and West Darfur. This ongoing expansion reflects the organization’s commitment to extending its reach to underserved communities and ensuring that women and youth have access to opportunities for leadership, stability, and development. Through its expanding network of offices, AFO continues to build bridges of friendship, promote equality, and empower communities for a peaceful and prosperous Sudan. AFO Empowering Women. Strengthening Communities. Building Peace.

AFO Efforts to Combat Violence Against Women in Central Jebel Marra Golo

📅 8 25, 2024 | Efforts to Combat Violence Against Women

The Africa Friendship Organization (AFO) continues to play a vital role in addressing violence against women and girls in conflict-affected communities of Central Jebel Marra. Recognizing the urgent need to promote protection, awareness, and women’s rights, AFO has implemented a series of training workshops and community dialogues in Golo town and several nearby villages, including Koron, Karmal, and Bardani. These workshops aimed to raise awareness on gender-based violence (GBV), promote women's protection mechanisms, and strengthen the capacity of community leaders, youth, and women's groups to respond effectively to GBV incidents. Participants discussed the causes and impacts of violence against women, learned about legal and social support services, and developed local strategies to prevent abuse and discrimination. In Golo, AFO worked closely with local authorities, traditional leaders, and women's associations to build community-driven solutions that ensure the safety and dignity of women and girls. The sessions emphasized the importance of reporting mechanisms, survivor support, and the role of men and boys in promoting gender equality. Through these activities, AFO reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer communities where women can live free from violence, participate equally in public life, and lead change toward lasting peace and development in Jebel Marra. AFO – Together for Protection, Dignity, and Equality.