Peace Center, Sierra Leone

Our experience has convinced us that peace begins at the community level and that sustainable peace is only possible when peoples’ basic needs are met and they have the tangible hope for a better future that is often instilled through education and training.

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The Peace Center will be a purpose-built community structure located in Kailahun where the civil war started and where our Sierra Leonean partner, community organization CAPS (Community Association for Psychosocial Services) has established a strong base of operations. The center will be symbolic of a new beginning, and will give hope to the high percentage of disabled citizens whose lives were devastated by the war in this area.

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In addition to trauma counseling, the Peace Center will provide the only adult skills training programs in the area:

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• Subsistence Agriculture.

• Metalsmithing, Electronics Repair and Sewing.

• Adult Education and Basic Business Skills.

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Designed by Architect Stephen Gardner of Bay-Build, each building will consist of a modular, prefabricated structural frame that is delivered to the site using standard shipping containers. This results in greater quality control, more efficient construction methods, and reduced build times. Using this system, a team of 6 workers can assemble the Peace Center within 2-3 weeks of arrival.