Project Background:

Samagra Jana-Utthan Kendra (APEC/SAMAGRA) partnered with GIZ-CPS to launch the “Dialogue for Peace” project in Siraha in 2015, aiming to transform conflict post-civil war and Madhesh Movement in Nepal. SAMAGRA has played a significant role in reducing tension during the 2006 Jana Andolan and the 2008 Madhesh Movement. The project team and dialogue committees facilitate continuous dialogues on inter-cultural conflicts, inter-religious issues, political disputes, land disputes, irrigation disputes, and other social development issues.

Hatemalo Interreligious Dialogue Committee and Nagrik Shanti Dialogue Committee were established in Lahan and Dhangadhimai Municipality to promote a culture of dialogue. Additionally, there are 2 ward-level dialogue committees in Lahan and 4 school dialogue committees in Lahan and Dhangadhimai. The project promotes peacebuilding through community radio SAMAGRA FM 107 MHz using the T-approach and integrating with other organizational projects.

Funding Partner:

GIZ- CPS (Civil Peace Service)

Project Period:

9 February 2024 – 31 January 2025 (Partnership with GIZ- CPS since August 2015)

Project Areas:

Lahan and Dhangadhimai municipality of Siraha District

Key Visions:

1. Dialogue Committee (Municipal and Ward):
   Local government collaborates with the Inter-Religious Dialogue Committee to address local religious issues. Terms of reference for the committee's operation will be prepared, and the committee will serve as a resource center for religious harmony.

2. School Dialogue Committee (SDC):
   Develop dialogue culture by enhancing the Dialogue Committee's capacity for quality education in schools.

3. Dialogue through Community Radio SAMAGRA FM 107 MHz:
   Develop a culture of dialogue through radio by training skilled human resources to conduct radio dialogues.

The goal of SAMAGRA, in line with the “Dialogue for Peace” project, is to promote intercultural dialogue and peace education to strengthen the peace process by coordinating with local bodies, NGOs, civil society, and stakeholders to resolve social, cultural, and religious disputes through dialogue.

Objective:

Address inter-religious conflict, influential movement groups, communal conflict (Madhesi and Pahadi), and strengthen local peace structures. Promote a culture of dialogue for peace and peace education by coordinating with local bodies, religious leaders, teachers, political leaders, civil society, and stakeholders.

Implementation Approaches:

The "Dialogue for Peace" project fosters inclusive nonviolent communication among peace actors, government agencies, civic societies, I/NGOs, media personalities, and stakeholders. Structured dialogue committees and forums facilitate respectful exchanges and collaborative problem-solving. Capacity-building initiatives empower local peace actors and citizens in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The project uses diverse methodologies, including trainings, workshops, roundtables, seminars, summits, and community outreach, to cultivate sustained dialogue and contribute to long-term social cohesion and peace.

Expected Output:

• Enhanced organizational capacities in policy formulation, conflict-sensitive communication, resource mobilization, PM&E, Do No Harm, GESI mainstreaming, knowledge management, and peacebuilding tools.
• Strengthened dialogue facilitation capacities to address conflicts and social issues, train dialogue facilitators, and establish dialogue networks with local agencies.

Key Achievements (2024):

• Published a decade-long dialogue journey in Siraha and a book on dialogue, increasing APEC's visibility as a dialogue resource center.
• SAMAGRA staff contributed to co-designing the dialogue curriculum and national dialogue events. APEC board members facilitated five project activities as local consultants.
• Revised GESI and safeguarding policy, enhancing fundraising and sustainability.
• Judicial committee of Dhangadhimai committed to mobilizing trained dialogue committee members. Trained 17 dialogue committee members (5 women, 12 men) in dialogue facilitation.
• Facilitated 73 social issues related to land, marriage, development, loans, family disputes, domestic violence, property sharing, social networks, drugs, and social crimes.
• Documented resolved dialogue-based cases to establish APEC as a dialogue resource center.
• Finalized two dialogue case studies and one change story for publication and curriculum co-design.
• Resolved 165 social issues and facilitated 103 meetings, workshops, and trainings. Hatemalo dialogue committees conducted their first general assembly and formed two ward dialogue committees.
• Broadcasted four recorded dialogue episodes on SAMAGRA FM 107 MHz, promoting intercultural dialogue and peace education.

Beneficiaries Reach:

The project reached 1261 target group members (514 women, 747 men) including dialogue committee members, faith leaders, judicial committees, civic society, local people, students, parents, teachers, school management committees, radio listeners, government officials, and stakeholders.

Challenges:

• High expectations for forming religious and school dialogue committees in each ward and school.
• Socio-political and religious conflicts, protests, and natural disasters may disrupt activities and participation.

Learnings:

• Activities initiated by dialogue committees promote a culture of dialogue and ensure sustainability.
• Presence of religious leaders and community members increases public ownership and trust.
• Coordination with government and stakeholders contributes to smooth execution and establishes SAMAGRA as a pioneer dialogue resource center in Madhesh Province.

Sustainability/Resiliency:

Increased ownership by local, district, and provincial governments supports project continuity. SAMAGRA receives regular support from judicial committees and local government. Ward dialogue committees promote intercultural dialogue and peace education. SAMAGRA FM 107 MHz raises public awareness on conflict transformation, peace, and human rights, ensuring project sustainability.