Child Protection
Communities in our program gain skills to prevent conflict and build lasting peace
What Is at Stake
In rural areas of West Africa and the Sahel, communities face rising threats to peace and security. Violence-driven instability in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger continues to grow, with insurgent, inter-communal and resource-related conflicts spreading across rural territories.
Conflicts between herders and farmers over land, water and grazing rights now claim thousands of lives across the region.
These dynamics disrupt livelihoods, hinder access to education and health services, displace families and erode community cohesion. Without effective local mechanisms for dialogue, mediation and collective decision-making, rural households – especially women, youth and marginalised groups – remain vulnerable to violence, exclusion and cycles of retaliation.
Given this context, strengthening grassroots resilience, local leadership and inclusive peacebuilding is essential for sustainable development, wellbeing and stability.
What We Are Doing
The Peace and Security module gives communities practical tools to prevent conflict and strengthen local mediation. Trained facilitators lead 21 sessions in local languages with men, women, and youth. Participants review their community vision, discuss rights and responsibilities, and learn how dialogue supports peace and human security. Each community creates a Peace Commission within the Community Management Committee (CMCs). These groups monitor tensions, mediate disputes, and implement action plans that promote safety and cooperation. After completing the sessions, participants reach out to neighbouring villages to share what they learned and encourage a wider culture of peace.
How does Tostan’s education program foster social transformation ?
What Change Looks Like
Communities report fewer confrontations and greater trust between groups. Peace Commissions meet regularly to prevent small disputes from escalating. Women and youth take on active roles in mediation and local decision making. Youth participate in outreach and help connect communities that once viewed each other with suspicion. Local dialogues replace rumours and conflict, and communities work together to resolve issues related to land, water, or daily life. These changes create safer environments where families can focus on education, livelihoods, and community priorities without fear of violence.
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