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| Project Name: | Peace and Reconciliation Program |
| Project Description: |
| OTI will address the problem of isolation by developing a national, multi-faceted, communications strategy that will foster exchanges across the country. OTI will target areas most directly affected and most isolated by the war, e.g. zones of disengagement and rebel-held areas. A key aspect of this strategy is the implementation of a small grant initiative.The proposed DRC Small Grant Initiative will offer direct support to both national and local groups in the form of material and/or programmatic and technical support. OTI-sponsored activities will provide ways for civil society organizations to enhance their outreach, develop skills needed for advocacy, and connect to like-minded organizations throughout the country. More specifically, the initiative will encourage advancement of the Lusaka Peace Accord and the outcomes of new Inter-Congolese Dialogue, supporting efforts of the transitional bodies brought about from the dialogue. The small grant initiative will also look beyond communication and the media in seeking ways to reconnect key population centers as a tool to advance peace across the country. Through support of the peace process, the combined outcomes of the small grants initiative aims to promote stability, increase national linkages and ultimately play key facilitative role in the reunification of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.The backbone to OTI's overall program strategy in the Congo is the resurgence of national radio in the Congo with MONUC Radio Okapi implemented by Fondation Hirondelle. The small grant initiative will collaborate with Radio Okapi to enhance the outcomes and impact of both efforts. Additionally, the small grants would interface with established communication networks in the Congo (i.e. community radio stations), which will further the efficiency, sustainability and impact of both efforts.The grants initiative will be provided to local indigenous groups, cooperatives, associations, international or local NGOs, local, regional and national governmental organizations, PVOs, student groups, media, international organizations, private sector groups and coalitions of these various entities.Ultimately, the OTI's small grant initiative in the Congo will stimulate civil society and increase public engagement in the national peace process. The rationale for this approach lies in the fact that, while a political settlement and the withdrawal of foreign troops are critical steps towards peace, Congolese need to become more knowledgeable, engaged and committed to participating in public life. This program will enable them to reunite, rebuild their country and reduce their vulnerability to outside exploitation. Thus increasing the likelihood that peace will be sustained and the transition to democracy will be successful. |
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