Several Hollywood films (Independence Day in 1996, The Avengers in 2012) suggest that an alien invasion would bring humanity together, with belligerent nations and blood-thirsty insurgents putting feuds to one side. Let’s hope that would be the case. But in the meantime, the need for Network for Africa’s work will continue because, sadly, the dark side of the human race persists. The men with guns do not seem ready to renounce violence just yet.
If there continue to be wars, there will be civilians left with psychological wounds. There will also be aid agencies which are too stretched to tackle the long-lasting impact of traumatic experiences of non-combatants caught in conflict. The work of Network for Africa will be needed for the foreseeable future. For this reason, we are asking you to please remember us in your will, after you have provided for your loved ones.
As he oversaw South Africa’s truth and reconciliation efforts, Archbishop Desmond Tutu often addressed the dark side of humanity. But he reminded us:
Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.
The good news is that N4A has a practical and cost-effective way of offering hope to survivors of violence. Using our four-step approach we:
- Identify those in need with the help of our respected local partners and through community education.
- Provide regular counselling and a psychological tool kit that enables people to manage traumatic memories, imagining a positive future rather than being a prisoner of the past.
- Introduce survivors to supportive self-help groups where people no longer feel isolated.
- Provide skills training enabling survivors to be independent, earning a living and supporting their families.
We have reached thousands of survivors of conflict in Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Burundi using this approach, training local people to deliver these services. Please contact us to discuss how you can support this work in the future by remembering us in your will, after you have provided for the special people in your life. Please click here to find out more.
Thank you for your kindness and help over the years.