Focus

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PEACE BUILDING

Peace Education and Non-violent training are the two components of peace building.

Peace Education

The objective of the SAPA Peace Education is to advance the growth of real peace in the South Asian Region by improving self understanding as well as relationship and the understanding between people and communities, thereby reducing the likelihood of violent behaviour and conflicts. In order to achieve this, SAPA works with people throughout the region regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religion.

Non-Violence Training

SAPA organizes workshop and action based non- violence training programmes across the region for helping people to realize the power of non- violence. These workshops are at three levels: (1) Grassroot Level, (2) National Level and (3) Regional Level The aim of training is to promote peace through non-violence action and to provide wide space for action based training for learners and peace workers.

REGIONAL IDENTITY AND THE FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

South Asisn people often feel close to one another when they meet; while there is often a sense of a common heritage and history South-Asian identity is yet to develop. SAPA works to promote regional identity among  people and to sensitize governments to adopt soft and friendly policies for creating peace and harmony in the region.

MEDIA MOBILIZATION

The media is called the fourth pillar of democracy and is a very powerful medium for social change. In Gwalior, India, SAPA conducted a three day consultation for 22 South Asian journalists,that provided a cross regional awareness of Janadesh. It also explored how a media culture of non-violence could be mobilized. SAPA also aims to give a higher profile to stories of non-violent action in the region.Alliance building in this area has great potentiality.

BROADENING THE ALLIANCE

SAPA has been trying to broaden its base by developing linkages with other international and regional networks. It has supported the Campaign for Disarmament to Combat Poverty, which was launched in 2006 during India Social Forum in New Delhi. Other networks include SANSAD (South Asia Network for Social and Agriculturaldevelopment), SADED( South Asian Dialogue on Development and Ecology, CAFI (Control Arms Foundation of India), SANEL (South Asia Network on Environmental Law and Policy, SANGAT (South Asia Network of gender activists and trainers, OWM (Ora World Mandala), COVA (Confederation of Voluntary Organizations and Charter for Human Responsibility.