Truce 2020, UK

Project profile

Truce 2020 gives young people the skills to handle and mediate tensions and prevent violence in their own community, making Newham a safer and more welcoming place. It is a partnership project between Peace Direct and Conflict and Change, a local charity with over 25 years experience of conflict resolution within and between different ethnic groups in Newham.

How Truce 2020 works

Truce 2020 is for young people aged 16-21 in Newham who want to make a positive change in their community. It’s completely free to take part and young people gain formal accreditation in conflict resolution, mediation and workshop leadership through a ten-week evening course. The sessions are fun and interactive and give young people the opportunity to explore their responses to conflict and tension in a supportive environment. Particpants go on a residential weekend for intensive training and fun outdoor activities like climbing and canoeing.

Together we have encouraged each other to fulfill our life ambitions and have watched each other develop, grow and blossom as young people - Isha Khan, Truce participant

One of the highlights of the program is a visit from a peacebuilder from a conflict zone overseas. This is a unique opportunity for the young people to hear first-hand how local people are making a difference in Africa or Asia. Their grassroots approach and perseverance gives the young people new perspectives on their own communities. So far, Truce groups have worked with peacebuilders from Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Kashmir DR Congo, and Burundi.

After graduating from the Peacebuilders’ Workshop program, participants go on to develop and deliver peacebuilding projects in their community, passing on the skills they have learnt to other young people at local, national and international level. Over 85 per cent of our graduates take part in these volunteering activities such as:

  • Facilitating conflict resolution workshops in local primary and secondary schools.
  • Designing and delivering tailor-made workshops for London-wide young projects, UK conferences and international organizations.
  • Sitting on recruitment panels for related projects, management committees and the Truce 2020 Steering Group.
  • Truce graduates can apply for the Truce Apprenticeship Scheme, to become financially recognized facilitators in conflict resolution.

Change is the only thing that is certain in life and you choose what type of change you make. - Geurda Bondonga, Truce participant