Newsletters and Updates

Current Articles Papua Peace Update (July 2008) Evans Reflections on CTF (July 2008) Courant Plowshares Article (July 2008) Indonesia Seminar 2009 (July 2008) Interfaith Dialogue Initiative (February 2008) Restorative Justice Work (February 2008) Ghost Ranch Workshop (January 2008) Local Training Opportunities (April 2007) Hong Kong/China Seminar 2008 (April 2007) Truth and Friendship Commission Update (January 2007) South Africa Seminar 2007 (January 2007) Aceh Peace Project Prospers (December 2006) Plowshares Celebrates 25th Anniversary (November 2006)

Plowshares and Partners at work in Zimbabwe and South Africa 
June 2004

Once considered Africa’s bread basket, Zimbabwe can no longer feed its own citizens.   Over 6 million people, almost 1/3 of the population, are at risk of starvation.  Politically generated violence is extensive, and the inflation rate is currently at 600 percent.  In the face of debilitating hardship for most citizens, a small, political elite is reaping vast financial rewards through the black market and speculation in foreign currency.

There are rays of hope even in the midst of this tragedy.  In January, Bob Evans responded to a request from colleagues to follow up on previous work in Zimbabwe by providing consultation and support for conflict intervention strategies.   Discussions with religious leaders disclosed that three bishops - Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Evangelical - who have worked with Plowshares Institute and the Centre for Conflict Resolution in South Africa in conflict transformation and peace-building, are courageously investing in a process to restart dialogue between the principal political parties.  Over the last few months they have visited the presidents of three neighboring countries to share their experiences of Zimbabwe’s “lived realities.”   

Pact

Working with a new Plowshares partner, Pact, a development agency based in Washington DC, Bob also provided support for an emerging network of non-profit organizations in Zimbabwe committed to empowering local and regional communities to demand and defend their human rights and promote constructive dialogue among opposing factions.  A joint workshop with Pact helped equip representatives from several non-profit organizations to strengthen their community’s ability to constructively approach the current conflicts and challenges. 

CCLT

While in Southern Africa, Plowshares staff also attended a trustees meeting in South Africa with the Church Community Leadership Trust (CCLT), a non-profit organization with which Plowshares has worked closely for many years.  The Trust is conducting a three-year program with church leaders, women, and youth on “moral regeneration for social transformation.”  This program is especially important in light of recent allegations of corruption against individual South African officials.  CCLT is also exploring strategies through which South African church leaders can influence the Zimbabwe crisis by promoting genuine dialogue to alleviate the suffering of millions of citizens.  Plowshares continues to work closely with international partners to promote peace with justice in these neighboring nations.