Organisation for assistance and development (OCAD).

Founded in 1998, Organisation for assistance and development (OCAD) is a small organisation based in South Kivu. It works for more just social conditions and attempts to help people in difficult circumstances in a holistic way. OCAD works within local communities on peacebuilding, education and the protection of women. It provides seminars and training, organises public meetings and lobbies for change. It is presently unfunded and made up of volunteers at all levels: 5 people in the organisation; 14 people in the local committee; 1 ‘motivator’ in each community.

Fair Community Management

The war in the territory of Uvira has caused a breakdown of trust among people from different tribes and ethnic groups.

Members of OCAD organise regular meetings at a regional level that are attended by all tribes and ethnic groups. At every event people from all groups are invited and assist in planning – not only tribal leaders, but also ordinary people. Participants discuss any community affairs, including issues related to community management.

These meetings enable people from different tribes to feel they are all members of the wider community and different groups are integrated into the management structure. OCAD has learnt that this has been a previous source of tension and conflict. In July 2009, a church dialogue project has been launched where members of different communities come together for a meal and an extended discussion.