21 September 2010, World Peace Day

Dear Friends of FAR,

Until recently, the female hakkamas in Arara village market in West Darfur would sing songs of war, songs of bravery in death, songs to encourage the local warriors.With their influential cultural role and their songs’ emotive lyrics, it is no wonder that these women are so important in Darfurian communities.  But things are changing. FAR has been working with the hakkamas on spreading messages of peace and accord; the ladies’ role is just still just as influential, but their songs have changed. 

This year’s rainy season has left parts of Sudan looking green, and  families are working hard to harvest their crops.  But the rains were patchy, with too little in some places and too much in others – and in some places the rain fell on land that farmers could not access because of insecurity.  The rain affects not only the quality and quantity of the harvest but also the routes taken by herders of cattle and camels in search of pasture.  This often leads to increased competition for land and water.  FAR has been working hard with these communities in conflict, reinforcing messages of cooperation and trust whilst also improving livelihood and education opportunities.

FAR does not just work with adults.  Healing the traumas experienced by children and young people and, helping them to understand and reactivate traditional coping mechanisms and to seek new opportunities for peaceful and positive interaction, also helps to  build the foundations for peaceful communities. For many young adults it will not be long before they become leaders of their communities. Thanks to the Darfur Community Peace & Stability Fund (DCPSF), traditional education and practical vocational training for alternative livelihoods for children from all communities are supplemented by drama sessions, art classes and sports.  For these activities the Community Peace Centres built last year by local communities with FAR’s assistance, are proving an invaluable resource.

The months ahead will not be easy.  A referendum on southern Sudanese self-determination is scheduled for January which could, if not properly managed, fuel a return to civil war.  We thank you for your continued prayers.

FAR Sudan

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