Trustbuilding, the bigger picture

In Kenya, the team is active in two regions that differ from each other in level of tensions and perceptiveness. In Garissa, among the challenges is the breakdown of trust between Muslims and Christians, leading to radicalization. There is a lot of tension between both groups, especially after three teachers were killed in January this year. However, last month’s trustbuilding workshop showed that participants are committed to doing something about the breakdown of trust, by reaching out to different communities in order to neutralize the fear and to work on reestablishing trust between Muslims and Christians.

In Mombasa, the tension is different, as it is not as visible as in Garissa. People are receptive and ready to go out and engage with youth to talk about the issues of radicalization. Mombasa is a predominantly Islamic region where most Christians are ignorant of Islam’s teachings, whereas Muslims understand Christianity to a greater extent. This program brings the opportunity to coexist and deepen understanding.

In the suburbs of Paris, communities are living in difficult economic and social conditions. The areas have been faced with several riots and confrontations over the years, where youth and police have clashed heavily. Tensions have heightened recently with a low point on 20 May.

OUI ACT is working in these troubled suburbs, called banlieues, with children from migrant communities. They are initiating conversations with young people in order to build bridges and to allow the young people a chance to have their voices heard. One of the most impactful sessions during these conversations is where young people get to speak with a police officer.

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The Trustbuilding Program is aimed at addressing divisive issues at the international and national levels, on the premise that only those who have undergone the internal process of becoming trustworthy themselves can close gaps across the globe. The Program was launched by Initiatives of Change International in 2019 with projects in Kenya, Canada and France.