Who?
Trevor Maisiri
Background
I am a peace, democracy and conflict transformation activist from Zimbabwe. I am currently working as the Executive Director of an organisation called the African Reform Institute (ARI) based in Zimbabwe. My activism and involvement in peace work originated from the conflict and violent eruptions that have increasingly characterised the political process in Zimbabwe. I have also carried out comprehensive conflict analysis studies, which are now being used to plan interventions and build strategies for post-conflict reconstruction.
Which course did you attend?
The Reintegration of Ex-Combatants course.
What are you doing now?
I am currently involved in the capacity-building of Church, community and political leaders in addressing the post-conflict challenges that have arisen after the violent election period of 2008. I am also coordinating a community-mediation and capacity-building programme, while working with the Church to increase its role in the resolution of the current turmoil, and also in nation building and reconstruction. Furthermore, I am the national coordinator of the peace programme ‘Alternatives to Violence Programme’ (AVP). I am hoping to start an international campaign for the establishment of peace, truth and reconciliation platforms at community level as a way of bringing about community healing.
How did you develop an interest in peacebuilding?
I was concerned about the fact that politicians in Zimbabwe were concentrating on resolving issues at the national level without due consideration of basic community needs for peacebuilding and reconciliation. I felt that communities were being neglected at the larger national scale and I started developing an interest for doing peace work specifically at the community level.
What did you do before taking Alert’s training course?
I had formed a trust organisation and started networking with like-minded people who were also seeking to re-establish peace by addressing post-conflict challenges. I also started lobbying for peace together with other peaceworkers and groups from across the world.
What did you learn and which skills did you develop during the course?
I learnt about economy-based models of ex-combatants’ reintegration and especially about the re-introduction of former child soldiers and militias back into their communities. I also developed good skills in post-conflict trauma healing and treatment.
Was the course useful for your career? If yes, in what way?
Yes, it was useful. It gave me a chance to put everything I learned into practice. It also helped me to understand and take into consideration the donors’ perspective in peace programmes. Thanks to the course I was also able to develop a network of international contacts.
What are the qualities and features that help you work in the peace sector?
Humility, tolerance, cultural sensitivity, resourcefulness, boldness, honesty, empathy, being analytical and being a good listener.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in developing a career in peacebuilding?
It has to come from the heart. Peacebuilding is not a job, it is a passion! You need to love people and be able to understand that everyone is important and equal before God. Everyone has a right to peace and justice.