IOM Implementing Partner, the Agency for Refugee Education, Skills Training and Advocacy (ARESTA), recently graduated 70 peace monitors in recognition of their work in building communities of peace and diversity in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

The event was held in Usasazo High School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town on the 10th of December 2011.  Recipients of the awards included members of the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), traditional leaders, local councilors, Khayelitsha Development Forum and community members.

Peace monitors help to raise awareness around issues of cultural diversity and peace in local communities. They are trained by IOM and ARESTA to sensitize communities on tolerance, and to act as mediators, quelling tensions and mediating during times of conflict.  
Local councillors and traditional leaders have embraced this project and have expressed their desire to have it extended to reach other wards in Khayelitsha. 
“The Peace Monitors, there have had a notable positive impact in the community and people now engage openly migration and understand the need for community cohesion,” says ARESTA Director Charles Mutabazi.

The “Ubuntu has no Borders” project is aimed at strengthening the capacity and capability of the South African Government, in particular provinces and municipalities, in managing urbanisation, in-migration and integration of foreign nationals. The project aims to empower South Africans and Foreign Nationals to embrace diversity and to facilitate mutually beneficial citizens.

This project is funded by the European Commission in South Africa through United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).