Re-enforcing Synergies through Inter-Religious Dialogues in Jama’a, Kajuru, Kaura and Zango-Kataf, LGAs of Kaduna State, funded by King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz International Centre for Interreligious and intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), Vienna, Austria 2022.OUTCOME: Capacities of men, women and youths were built on inter-religious dialogue in five LGAs of Kaduna State.
FULL REPORT
Project Title: Re-Enforcing Synergies Through Inter-Religious Dialogue
Location: Kaduna and Plateau States, Nigeria
Implementation Year: 2022
Implementing Organization: Unique Centre for Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing (UCPTH)
Donor/Technical Partner: King Abdullah Bin Abdullaziz Centre for intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue (KAICIID), Vienna, Austria.
Background
Northern Nigeria continues to face recurring tensions driven by misunderstandings between religious groups, youth restiveness, and weak mechanisms for early warning and peaceful engagement. Recognizing the need to strengthen community resilience, Unique Centre for Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing, with support from KAICIID, implemented the project “Re-Enforcing Synergies Through Inter-Religious Dialogues” to equip communities with practical skills for dialogue, trust-building, and conflict prevention.
Project Goal
To strengthen peaceful coexistence by improving inter-religious understanding, enhancing dialogue skills, and building functional community structures for collaboration and conflict mitigation.
Key Activities Implemented
- Conducted inter-religious dialogue trainings for men, women, youths, community leaders, and religious leaders across selected LGAs in Kaduna and Plateau States.
- Facilitated community forums that brought Christians and Muslims together to discuss local issues peacefully.
- Established and strengthened community peace structures, including dialogue committees and early warning groups.
- Provided practical sessions on early warning and early response (EWER), tolerance, active listening, and conflict mediation.
- Supported youth-led initiatives that encouraged collaboration and reduced stereotypes across religious divides.
Results Achieved
- Over 400 participants trained across both states.
- Increased knowledge and understanding of inter-religious dialogue among community members.
- Stronger collaboration between religious leaders, who now jointly advocate for peace.
- Improved early warning systems, enabling communities to identify and respond to tensions faster.
- Youth participants now actively mediate disputes and promote tolerance in their neighborhoods.
- Communities report improved relationships, reduced suspicion, and stronger social cohesion.
Community Impact
The project restored trust in communities that previously experienced deep division. Local actors now engage one another with respect and openness. Religious leaders participate together in solving community issues, while women groups and youths have become active dialogue champions taking ownership of promoting peace at the grassroots.
Success Story
A youth participant from Kaura LGA shared how he successfully mediated a dispute between two individuals of different faiths after applying the skills he gained from the training. His intervention prevented escalation, inspired other youths, and contributed to restoring calm in the area. He described the experience as a turning point in his understanding of the power of peaceful engagement.
Challenges
- Existing mistrust initially made participants hesitant to fully engage.
- Some communities required additional confidence-building due to previous conflicts.
- Limited resources restricted the expansion of activities to more LGAs requesting inclusion.
Lessons Learned
- Dialogue is more effective when communities lead the process themselves.
- Youth engagement is essential for sustaining peace at the grassroots.
- Inter-religious initiatives become stronger when religious leaders model collaboration.
Acknowledgment
Unique Centre for Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing (UCPTH) expresses deep appreciation to King Abdullah Bin Abdullaziz Centre for intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue (KAICIID) for its funding, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to inter-religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. The organization also appreciates community stakeholders, religious leaders, and youths who actively contributed to the success of the project.
# Social Media
**Strengthening Peace Through Inter-Religious Dialogue!** ✨🤝✨
In 2022, Unique centre for Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing trained men, women, and youths across Kaduna and Plateau States on **inter-religious dialogue**—helping communities build trust, prevent conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence.
Thanks to the support of **KAICIID (Vienna, Austria)**, hundreds of community members now understand dialogue, tolerance, and early warning systems for peace. Together, we are building safer, more united communities. 🌍💛
#PeaceBuilding #InterfaithDialogue #CommunityCohesion #Kaduna #Plateau #KAICIID
Newsletter
Building Synergies for Peace Across Kaduna and Plateau States
In 2022, <NGO NAME> successfully implemented the project **“Re-enforcing Synergies through Inter-Religious Dialogues”** across multiple Local Government Areas in Kaduna and Plateau States. With funding and technical support from **KAICIID**, the project strengthened the capacity of men, women, and youths to engage in inter-religious dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence.
Key Highlights
– Over **400 participants** trained in inter-religious dialogue.
– Strengthened community structures for peace and collaboration.
– Improved early warning and early response mechanisms.
– Increased tolerance, understanding, and respect across diverse religious groups.
Community Impact
The project helped bridge divides in once-fragmented communities. Religious leaders now collaborate more closely, youths have become dialogue champions, and families report improved relationships across faith lines.
Success Story
One youth participant in Kaura LGA mediated a conflict between two individuals of different religions using skills he gained from the training—something he said he never believed he could do before. His positive action inspired others and reduced growing tension in the neighborhood.
Acknowledgment We extend our gratitude to **KAICIID** for their partnership and unwavering support in promoting peace and inter-religious understanding