What do we do and why is it so important? 

Put simply, we believe that people flourish when all parts of society work together. Peaceful relationships make that possible. A journey of growth begins with the simple act of talking, which transforms mistrust, includes the excluded, and turns adversaries into allies.   

We recognise that relationships are like seeds. They are the starting point needed to make peace a reality. It is only once trust puts down roots that you can start to tackle the issues that can lead to violence such as poverty, denial of rights or cultural division. We turn those seeds and roots of peace into a blossoming garden in three key ways.  

1) We provide people with new skills and confidence.   

2) We open the doors to make connections possible between key groups that were previously distanced from one another.   

3) We ensure that everyone understands their rights, responsibilities and resulting power. 

Like a well-cared for garden, we cultivate an environment where peace can grow and stand fast, weathering whatever comes next.   

This makes it possible for communities to have futures where its members live free from the threat of violence, being wrongly arrested or being mistreated.  

What does this look like in reality? 

By equipping and coaching indigenous forest communities in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to represent themselves with authorities, we are enabling them to protect their land and livelihoods. 

In Burundi we’re helping to build relationships between young people across communities from different ethnic, social and political backgrounds to help reduce violence. We are also working with women, children, youth and other vulnerable groups who previously fled conflict, as they return to Burundi and attempt to settle back into their communities. 

In Myanmar we are focused on the vital task of tackling ethnic and religious discrimination. Our dynamic gatherings enable people of all faiths to meet with government representatives and community leaders to discuss differences, learn from one another and begin to understand the issues they each face. We train those working for a stronger more inclusive society. 

Our work in Laos is helping all kinds of local groups to become more effective in their work to improve the lives of ordinary people. Cord is helping them to increase their resources and build more effective relationships with the Government. Our projects are enabling these groups to have a much bigger impact in the communities where they work.