Newsletters and Updates

Current Articles Indonesia Seminar 2009 (February 2008) Little Rock Cities Program (February 2008) Restorative Justice Work (February 2008) Interfaith Dialogue Initiative (February 2008) Ghost Ranch Workshop (January 2008) Local Training Opportunities (April 2007) Hong Kong/China Seminar 2008 (April 2007) Hartford Seminary Course (February 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)

Update from Zimbabwe and South Africa  February 23, 2004

Over 6 million people, almost 1/3 of the population of Zimbabwe, are at risk of starvation.  Politically generated violence is extensive in the country, and the inflation rate is currently at 600%.  In the face of this extensive hardship and suffering by ordinary citizens, a small, political elite is reaping vast financial rewards through the black market and speculation in foreign currency.  Over the last few years, Africa’s break basket has become a basket case.

Even in the midst of this tragedy, there are rays of hope.  Unexpected requests to Plowshares led Bob Evans to travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe in January.  This visit followed up previous work in Zimbabwe last July.  Consultation with religious leaders disclosed that three bishops - Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Evangelical - equipped by 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 month they have visited the presidents of three neighboring countries to share their experiences with the Zimbabwean lived reality with these nation’s leaders. 

Another ray of hope is an emerging network of non-profit organizations in Zimbabwe committed to empowering local and regional communities to demand and defend their human rights and to promoting constructive dialogue between opposing factions.  Bob Evans helped to equip these leaders during his recent visit through a joint workshop with Pact, a US based NGO supported by USAID funds.  This “training of trainers” event equipped representatives from these non-profit organizations to strengthen their community’s ability to constructively approach the current conflicts and challenges. 

While in South Africa, Bob Evans attended a trustees meeting with the Church Community Leadership Trust (CCLT), a non-profit 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 and transformation to alleviate the suffering of millions of citizens.  Plowshares continues to work closely with our international partners to promote peace with justice in these neighboring nations.