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Building Social Cohesion from Below. Based on: The learnings from the Laletek (Bridge) Project 2010-2012 Presentation by: Catharina Maria, M.A. On Timor-Leste Update, ANU, Canbera, 28-29 November 2013. What we will discuss:. Communal Conflict in Timor-Leste
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Building Social Cohesion from Below Based on: The learnings from the Laletek (Bridge) Project 2010-2012 Presentation by: Catharina Maria, M.A. On Timor-Leste Update, ANU, Canbera, 28-29 November 2013
What we will discuss: • Communal Conflict in Timor-Leste • CRS and Laletek (Bridge) Project • Key Baseline Study Results • Strengths: Evidence-based Peacebuilding • The strengths of the project • Most Significant Changes • The Necessary Conditions
Communal Conflict in Timor-Leste • Small-scale communal conflict was a fact of life in Dili. • Small disputes often escalated due to rumors and lack of actions. • Peacebuilding efforts at times top-down and focus on the main conflict line
Laletek (Bridge) Project Project goal: Opposing groups in targeted aldeias reduce violent conflict with each other. Two Strategic Objectives: Opposing Groups develop healthy relationships, and Collaborate non-violently to manage local infrastructure. Two Year Project: March 2010 –2012 Funding: USD 684,000 from the Office of Conflict Mitigation and Management/USAID and CRS Implemented by CRS and DJPC Dili Target Area: 22 hamlets in 6 villages in Dili
Key Baseline Study Results • The sources of conflicts varied greatly in each suku/aldeia • The actors involved in conflicts and the point of entry were identified. • The existing/potential local peacebuilders and conflict resolution mechanisms were identified. • The recent history of development and conflicts were developed • The barriers of peace were discussed => The Baseline Study helped the project to be more precise and tailor the activities, timing and targets based on the different realities.
Laletek Strengths • Evidence-based Peacebuilding • The process is as important as the result. • Targeting the troublemakers while strengthening local peacebuilders • Multi-pronged approach which targeted the multi-level nature of conflict • Church-led: Consent and Ownership • Coordination and Collaboration (to national level) • Built something together at the end
Most Significant Changes: Final Project Evaluation, James Scambary, Feb 2012 • Five out of six communities believed Laletek projects had brought peaceful change to their communities • Two communities thought this change was exclusively a result of Laletek’s programs • Four communities thought Laletek had reinforced other community or NGO activities • Two non-beneficiary communities confirmed that they now had no conflict with four neighbouring beneficiary communities
The Necessary Conditions • Community buy in – cooperation and readiness of those involved. • Should be bottom up and not top down approach. • Long term process: needs a lot of resources, including skilled and motivated staff. • A thorough process for identification of issues and its possible resolution, troublemakers as well as peacebuilders. • Women and youth's participation is crucial.