The workshop is expected to give the participants an idea of what grassroot comics are, and how they can be used as a campaigning tool. Grassroots comics, i.e. comics made by socially active people themselves, rather than by campaign and art professionals, are genuine voices which encourage local debate in the society. Furthermore, they are inexpensive and the technology is not complicated – pens, papers and access to a copying machine are usually enough. And a good story!

Workshop, part one (1h)

1. The method of grassroots comics is explained with samples from different parts of Africa.

2. An interactive session, in which the workshop participants:

- discuss the theme of peacebuilding and what kind of messages can be conveyed with grassroots comics

- discuss the target groups and methods of distribution

- create short stories with a message


Workshop part two (1h)

The workshop participants:

- go through their stories

- see demonstrations on how the stories can be converted into comics

Prepare for the presentation at the plenary session.

Conflict is a normal part of life, from neighbourhood quarrel to conflicts between population groups. The Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC) method helps to create openings and to seek ways out of conflicts. The method is based on expertise gained from a variety of conflict situations and is applied worldwide. In the workshop we look into the different stages of conflicts, the (im)possibilities of dialogue as a method and some practical examples. Exercises will actively involve you as participants and you’ll learn a few basic elements that you can apply in your own setting.

The workshop will work to manage a direct dialogue with the participants about the concept and approach of using theatre for peacebuilding. Participants will have the chance to experience this in practice through models and training that use the performing arts for conflict resolution. We want to promote peace and dialogue leading to sustainable development and coexistence and respect for each other through the acceptance of diversity and plurality, especially in African cultures.

This workshop will give you an introduction to the idea of peace journalism and a critical examination of the assumptions and practical implications underlying the role of journalists in conflict resolution. Participants will be presented with different examples showing successes and obstacles and you will have a chance to discuss a number of interesting case studies.
Workshop Facilitator: Ms. Julia Hoffmann, Communication Science Department, University of Amsterdam.

This workshop will address issues of multimedia, ICT and peacebuilding in a very practical and interactive way.
Workshop Facilitator: Mr. Ernst Suur, Warchild.

A hands-on arts workshop that uses movement, image-making and games to introduce participants to new ways of addressing issues and concerns through the arts. No experience is necessary. Just wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for fun and laughter. We will focus on conflict-resolution strategies.

Morning session: Participatory Video (PV) is a set of techniques to involve a group or community in shaping and creating their own film. The idea is that making a video is easy and accessible, and is a great way of bringing people together to explore issues, resolve conflicts, voice concerns or simply to be creative and tell stories.

Participatory Video is primarily about process, though high quality and accessible films (products) can be created using these methods if that is a desired outcome. This process can be very empowering, enabling a group or community to take their own action to solve their own problems, and also to communicate their needs and ideas to decision-makers and/or other groups and communities. As such, PV can be a highly effective tool to engage and mobilise marginalised people, and to help them to implement their own forms of sustainable development based on local needs.

In this 1-hour workshop InsightShare will introduce the practice of Participatory Video, the approach pioneered by the organisation over the past decade and offer opportunities for participants to view films and experience some of the exercises and games used during PV workshops. Time will be allocated for group discussion on the nature of PV, its applications and use as a tool for conflict resolution.


Afternoon Workshop: The call for 'peace propaganda': Obstacles and Opportunities:

As the PV workshop is just a 1-hour workshop, you can join the workshop on peace journalism in the afternoon. This workshop will give you an introduction to the idea of peace journalism and a critical examination of the assumptions and practical implications underlying the role of journalists in conflict resolution. Participants will be presented with different examples showing successes and obstacles and you will have a chance to discuss a number of interesting case studies.

Morning session: The call for 'peace propaganda': Obstacles and Opportunities: This workshop will give you an introduction to the idea of peace journalism and a critical examination of the assumptions and practical implications underlying the role of journalists in conflict resolution. Participants will be presented with different examples showing successes and obstacles and you will have a chance to discuss a number of interesting case studies.


Afternoon session: Participatory video workshop:

Since the PV workshop is just a 1-hour workshop, you have the option of joining the peace journalism workshop in the morning and then participating in the PV workshop in the afternoon. Participatory Video (PV) is a set of techniques to involve a group or community in shaping and creating their own film. The idea is that making a video is easy and accessible, and is a great way of bringing people together to explore issues, resolve conflicts, voice concerns or simply to be creative and tell stories.

Participatory Video is primarily about process, though high quality and accessible films (products) can be created using these methods if that is a desired outcome. This process can be very empowering, enabling a group or community to take their own action to solve their own problems, and also to communicate their needs and ideas to decision-makers and/or other groups and communities. As such, PV can be a highly effective tool to engage and mobilise marginalised people, and to help them to implement their own forms of sustainable development based on local needs.

In this 1-hour workshop InsightShare will introduce the practice of Participatory Video, the approach pioneered by the organisation over the past decade and offer opportunities for participants to view films and experience some of the exercises and games used during PV workshops. Time will be allocated for group discussion on the nature of PV, its applications and use as a tool for conflict resolution.