ECUMENICAL MISSION FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT - Foundation
(A) INTRODUCTION
The Ecumenical Mission for Peace and Development Foundation (abbreviated EMPED-FOUNDATION) is a non-governmental ecumenical and non partisan organization which was created in 1996 and legalized on 26th February 1997 (Ref. No. 1076/111/VOL.7/IPPD) in Mezam Division, North West Province, Republic of Cameroon. EMPED-Foundation is specialized in Conflict Resolutions, Peace-building, Human Rights advocacy, gender and HIV/AIDS mainstreaming and developmental empowerment.
We have successfully carried out projects on Conflict Resolutions, Peace-building, advocacy and empowerment in 8 Villages in Donga & Mantung Division, 3 in Ngohketungia, 3 in Menchum and 3 in Ngie Sub Division from 1997. Though some of these projects are self-sponsored, EMPED also reviewed funding from All African Conference of Churches (AACC), Catholic Swiss Lanten Fund, Helvetas Cameroon, British Council, Canadian Pro-Democracy and currently from Bread for the World (BftW) – Germany.
(B) MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of EMPED-Foundation is strive to Build a Culture of Peace, Resolve Conflicts, Reconcile Communities, initiate and encourage sustainable development projects by applying gender sensitive strategies in education and training, HIV/AIDS, networking, development, Empowerment and poverty alleviation, arts and cultural activities, arts and culture.
OBJECTIVES
· Carry out research and systematic analysis and Interpretations of conflict trends thereby development peaceful options for the resolution and transformation of conflict through participatory mediation processes.
· Act in advocacy or reference point and forum for the resolution of conflict through reflection, dialogue, seminars, workshops, and symposia.
· Build a culture of peace to ensure that people are aware of their fundamental links between rights and obligations, two elements that instill social cohesion.
· Seek within religious systems, traditional mechanisms and approaches that may assist in the transforming of conflicts.
· Train and empower communities on gender activities for participatory management techniques in governance.
· Educate, train and initiate youths in income generating activities as well as carry out cultural exchange visits amongst youths of other countries.
EXPECTED RESULTS
The following results will be achieved:
Ø Reduction of conflict situations.
Ø Reinforcement of a culture of Peace and understanding among people in society.
Ø Peace and stability will be achieved for peaceful co-existence and development in conflict prone communities.
Ø Enhancement possibilities of disadvantage communities.
Ø Improved gender roles in peace building and development.
Ø Increased awareness of HIV/AIDS and positive behaviour change.
Ø Reduction in the rate of crime wave, prostitution, unemployment, HIV/AIDS amongst the youths, mastery on arts and cultural exchange visits.
APPROACHES TO TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
The scriptural approach:
As a peace and development organization, we explore sacred books like the Bible and the Koran, for example, to see how similar problems were being handled or recommended for the promotion for peaceful co-existence in the community.
Skill training approach:
The process begins with an analysis for understanding of the job in terms of required skills needed using the confrontational problem solving approaches.
Focus on issue approach:
This approach places emphasis on the real situation which people are faced with. Hence a variety of ways may be explored and developed in order to tackle problems.
ACTIVITIES
RESEARCH
Research aims at investigating pertinent problems and issues relevant to peace and development which are essential for its implementation.
CONSULTANCY AND ADVISORY SUPPORT
EMPED-FOUNDATION provides consultancy and advisory support services to peasant groups and non-governmental organizations especially in such areas as management evaluation of projects.
SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Provides technical assistance in the development and the management of small-scale enterprises through business strategies of EMPED FOUNDATION micro-financing scheme.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth education, training, empowerment and awareness creation through counseling and interaction. Arts and cultural exchange amongst the youths of other countries train and empower the youth on income generating activities in a bit to reduce the rate of crime wave, prostitution, banditry and HIV/AIDS.
GENDER IN DEVELOPMENT
Gender analysis of the position of women, youths, disabled and men in the society with the air of identifying their specific potentials and needs while exposing them to opportunities and challenges.
REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation of freed prison inmates, juveniles or other under privileged members of the community through voluntary education service and self-help programs.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental education and protection feature prominently in all our activities and intervention in our quest for a peaceful and a healthy living. Land degradation, erosion; tree planting and good farming practices come in to our focus always.
Human Rights
Previous Project
Current Project
MEMBERSHIP
THE FOUNDATION IS MADE UP OF
Ø Individuals and the corporate bodies registered with EMPED and are involved in the promotion of Justice, Peace, Reconciliation, and Development.
Ø Interested Nationals and International Groups or Organizations which persue similar objectives can also become members.
Each member enjoys equal rights and obligations as prescribed in the constitution.
ORGANIGRAM
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SOURCES OF FUNDING
1. Members’ contributions
2. Donors organizations
3. Grants from sympathizers.
4. Legacies
5. Loans
