Christian Association for Integral Development (ACDI-New Vision).

The mission of the Christian Association for Integral Development (ACDI-New Vision) is to promote the social, economic, and political position of young people, supporting an integrated development which is centred on human values and the blossoming of young people’s potential.

ACDI-New Vision also provided assistance for vulnerable people, and income-generating activities such as masonry, mobile phone credit transfer, car mechanics, and small businesses amongst others, as well as providing training, workshops and conferences on issues such as education, HIV/AIDS prevention and leadership. They have also provided conflict resolution for students, assisted ten children living in hardship, and provided aid in some Bujumbura hospitals.

Empowering Students in Peace and Conflict Resolution

In May 2007, ACDI-New Vision organised a three-day seminar on peace education and conflict resolution. The event was hosted and funded by the UNESCO Chair for Peace Education at the University of Burundi, and attended by 40 students from all over Bujumbura.

The project aimed to encourage participants to take a leading role in rebuilding peace in their communities. Objectives were to provide students with a fundamental understanding of what conflict is, present alternatives to violence and develop their basic conflict resolution skills.

Participants were students and members of youth organisations from a variety of social backgrounds, ethnic groups, genders, and nationalities. Facilitators used a participatory approach, using case studies, brainstorming sessions, work groups, and role-play as well as presentations and lectures. The underlying message was that conflict is inevitable in human relationships, but that it is crucial to know how to resolve it without violence.