The first Zones of Peace are underway in East Timor. After the creation of two Zones of Peace in East Timor, the models will be replicated in other areas.

The programs are being developed hand in hand with the local communities in each zone.

The local communities carry the bulk of implementation, with financial contribution and assistance in capacity building from international NGOs and individual donors.

In this way the programs for each Zone are unique and reflect the unique character of the region’s people.

Local citizens are asked to join with their neighbors, work with their local council, and come together to discuss and expand upon the principles of the Zone of Peace. They foster non-violent approaches to solving problems, and work with government bodies to define goals for their Zone in the areas of health, education and their local economy.

Through this process, each community is defining the meaning and significance that a Zone of Peace designation has for their own particular community. This process, while slower at times than simply implementing specific programs from the outside, offers the opportunity to build inclusiveness into the decision-making and problem-solving processes of recovering from conflict. It serves to reduce fear and pull communities together to create and meet goals as a group.

As the program moves forward, the communities will work out their own programs for the implementation of mosquito nets, school supplies and other resources provided by donors.

Read about a local conflict resolution dialogue