English - Global Balance

Translation:
31. Reconciliation – Exhibition and Reading
Between 29th of August and 3rd of September 2010 Bärbel Schmidt-Dudda had an exhibition
of her acrylic and water colour paintings under the title “Landscapes of the Heart” in the
Elisenturm of the Botanic Garden in Wuppertal. The paintings are part of her book “Star of the
Soul”, in which she describes possible ways of reconciliation with ourselves, nature and all
creatures, fellow men and with God.
The exhibition opened with a reading. The focus was on the subject of reconciliation such as to
build bridges – to live peace; readiness for dialogue – unity in diversity; expansion of
consciousness and collective sense; words with a conciliatory tone, language of the heart etc.
In the course of the week there were several interesting discussions with the visitors of the
exhibition. The documentation folder of all projects of the International UN Reconciliation Year
2009 was also met with great interest.
On 5 th of November 2010 a reading and exhibition of Bärbel Schmidt-Dudda’s paintings on the
subject of reconciliation took place in the book store at Sprockhövel .
At the beginning of the reading the author made a reference to reconciliation, in particular to the
International UN Year of Reconciliation 2009. In her book she takes a position on the Beatitudes
in Matthew's Gospel. After a chapter had been read out, there was a constructive conversation
which involved the transfer of the statements for the everyday life.
33. Reconciliation, Cultural Revival Uganda
and Women Empowerment
Specific’s objectives of the Project are:
• To improve economic livelihood of 150 women and their families through provision of 1700
Banana Suckers, 3000 Pineapples suckers and 2000 papaw seedlings as sustainable source of
income-generation.
• To provide leadership training for increased decision-making skills, support goats rearing
project, organize (2) trainings in Acholi cultural approaches to reconciliation and (2) symposium
for returnees, cultural leaders and GRG members within the three Districts.
• To support Eight (8) areas land committees in traditional Justice System and provide 16
bicycles to facilitate their work at the grassroots level. Of the approximately 1500 beneficiaries,
approximately 75% are female, while 25% are male persons. Of the approximately 450 direct
beneficiaries, 250 men and women were Ex - LRA combatants
The Project will be implemented by Grassroots Reconciliation Group (GRG) through its 17 groups of
returnees intermixed with host community in Northern Uganda within a period of 12 Months. Initially the
project is planned for twelve months, although the issues to be addressed would necessitate that the
Project continue beyond one year – refer to problem statement below, for details. GRG has so far
implemented livelihood and reconciliation Projects for approximately four years.
Northern Uganda’s protracted conflict has led to the deterioration of livelihoods and has bred mistrust
among communities, specifically towards former child soldiers from the rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance
Army (LRA). There is a growing need for people to rebuild the social-economic make-up of their
communities to avoid structural violence amongst and against former child soldiers /combatants. One of
the greatest hindrances to this peace-building process is the inability to purchase start-up capital for
income-generating activities at the grassroots level.
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