Summary of project status and achievements:
The computer training program continued with the Intensive Advanced Computer Class. Students completed Microsoft Word and began Microsoft PowerPoint.
A three-day Mediation workshop was held September 24 – 26 at the MCAC building. Participants came mostly from Block D, though Blocks G and F were represented, as well. Thirty participants were invited, but thirty-three attended.
The PM began to work with the coordinators on grant writing. The coordinators wrote part of a grant to the Rhodes Scholar Southern African Forum. The PM will edit it and submit it during the first week of October. The coordinators asked for money for an additional solar panel, two batteries and two converters. They are aware that there is money in the budget for a solar panel by the end of this year.
Future Activities and Projections:
Computer classes will continue with the completion of the PowerPoint unit. Students will move on to Publisher this month.
A workshop will be held in late October. The topic and location are to be determined. Emphasis will be put on recruiting female participants.
The coordinators have also developed an idea they are calling the Church Commission for Peace. Recognizing the influence and reach of churches in Meheba and acknowledging the limited ability of two people to spread knowledge about peace and conflict transformation to the whole settlement, the coordinators would like to train church leaders in peace building and conflict resolution. They would create a commission of select church leaders, train them in a one or two week workshop on as many aspects of peace and conflict resolution as possible and encourage them to spread the knowledge in their congregations. The commission would meet regularly to discuss problems in the community with the aim of resolving them. Church leaders would also give workshops in their congregations much as the PECT coordinators give workshops in the community at large. After the training of the church leaders, FORGE’s and PECT’s role would be minimal, mostly consisting of giving advice. The PM will work with the coordinators to determine how to go about starting this initiative within the current budget.
Indicators and statistics:
Computers
Peace Education