Christmas Appeal for peace
Nothing good comes from division and war. But we know community can heal us.
In every conflict we see the same thing: communities everywhere helping to rebuild peace with compassion, understanding and support for each other.
A monthly gift from you can fund unity and peace. And this means you're backing the people worst affected by conflict to rebuild their lives and communities.
Zamuda Swayao Constance, participant of the BMZ project and guide to other women, at the large Burhinyi market with other women participants. Credit: Narcisse K Chibangu / Oxfam
My fellow women leaders and I now pay forward the lessons, encouragement and opportunities we've received...”
Zamuda, DRC
Zamuda Swayau Constance, DRC
Zamuda lives in Burhinyi district, South Kivu. It's a rural area with agriculture as the main source of income. But low crop yields limited food supply, nutrition intake and her ability to earn a decent living.
With support and training from APDIK, Zamuda's had training on better farming techniques and business management skills.
And confidence-boosting mentorship means she now leads the women's network - passing on her knowledge and skills to other women in her community.
Community peacebuilding
Our project with APDIK enables women farmers to earn more by sharing valuable skills and knowledge within the community. Like sustainable ways to grow crops and breed livestock, including the rotating pigs scheme.
It's helped women set up businesses, establish community groups, and loans and savings schemes. This secures incomes which can also be reinvested or spent on other things. Like household essentials or school fees for children.
By investing and empowering women there's a knock on effect for future generations. This strengthens the community, helping to maintain peace.
Munadhel, a 22 year old university student from Yemen, teaches his siblings. With funding, training and a stipend from Oxfam he's been able to finish his education and fund his siblings' schooling too. Credit: Ahmed Albasha for Gabreez / Oxfam
Invest in peace, invest in people
Munadhel is a university student living in Yemen. His family are part of the Muhamasheen, a marginalised group facing widespread racial discrimination.
Nine years of conflict in Yemen has left half the population without essentials.
So when his dad fell ill, Munadhel had to drop out of school to take care of his family. At just 22, he's the sole provider.
But Munadhel's determination has led to success.
Using money and training received from Oxfam and an EU funded project, he's been able to defy the odds.
Munadhel's finished his schooling, bought a laptop, funded his siblings' education and got a motorbike to assist him in his small business distributing food within his community.
Now, his focus is on finishing his bachelor's degree before a Master's and PhD.
Because when you invest in peace, you invest in people's futures.
How Oxfam helps build peace
Munadhel, Yemen