Christmas Appeal for Peace
Nothing good comes from division and war. But we know a fairer world is possible.
In every conflict we see the same thing: communities everywhere helping to rebuild peace with compassion, understanding and support for each other.
A monthly gift from you can fund unity and peace. And this means you're backing the people worst affected by conflict to rebuild their lives and communities.
Munadhel, a 22 year old university student from Yemen, teaches his siblings. With funding, training and a stipend from Oxfam he's been able to finish his education and fund his siblings' schooling too. Credit: Ahmed Albasha for Gabreez / Oxfam
I aim to hold a high position, despite all the challenges we faced, despite all the obstacles that were in our way...”
Munadhel, Yemen
Munadhel lives in Yemen
His family are part of the Muhamasheen, a marginalised group facing widespread racial discrimination.
Nine years of conflict in Yemen has left half the population without essentials.
So when his dad fell ill, Munadhel had to drop out of school to take care of his family. At just 22, he's the sole provider.
Defying the odds
Using money and training received from Oxfam and an EU funded project, he's been able to defy the odds.
Munadhel's finished his schooling, bought a laptop, funded his siblings' education and got a motorbike to assist him in his small business distributing food within his community.
Now, his focus is on finishing his bachelor's degree before a Master's and PhD.
Because when you invest in peace, you invest in people's futures.
Zamuda Swayao Constance stands outside the chiefdom office in Burhinyi, South Kivu. Photo credit: Narcisse K Chibangu / Oxfam
Rebuilding peace in the DRC
By partnering with APDIK we've been running a community peacebuilding project in South Kivu, DRC. It's improving the lives of around 102,000 people - 60% of whom are women.
This project enables women farmers to earn more by sharing valuable skills and knowledge within the community. Such as sustainable ways to cultivate crops and breed livestock like the rotating pigs scheme.
It's also helped women set up businesses, establish community groups, and loans and savings schemes. This means their income is more secure. And can be reinvested or used for other things. Like household essentials or school fees for children.
By investing and empowering women there's a knock on effect for future generations. And this strengthens the community, helping to maintain peace.
How oxfam helps build peace
We've got a history of helping people to cope with conflict and build peace. But peace only lasts when we work in solidarity with people affected by conflict.
That's why we work with partners and communities to:
- provide emergency food parcels, hygiene kits, cash assistance and other essential items during times of crisis
- help rebuild infrastructure like desalination plants which provide safe, clean water
- fund grassroots peacebuilding projects led by the community
- support women and marginalised groups to access funding, training and a steady income
Peace isn't a nice to have. It's essential for any one of us to live a full and healthy life.
Read more about how we can make the world a better place in our blog.
This Christmas, donate to Oxfam. Fund the people and projects building more peaceful world.
Munadhel, Yemen
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