AFRICANEWS

The name is in Swahili - an East African language. It means "Fellowship of Reconciliation" JYAK was founded in 1988 as a small Peace Group but later grew and changed its status to a Non-Governmental Organisation in 1992. JYAK is a branch of the International fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) and has active membership in various parts of Uganda.

JAYK has conducted Peace Education Programmes in various parts of the country. In Gulu, northern Uganda, JYAK has established Gulu Vocation Community Centre where vulnerable youth are given basic vocational training and made self reliant and useful to the community.
In Mbarara JYAK organised a seminar for teachers in both post and post and primary institutions on a theme: "Non violence". Around Kampala JYAK has organised Peace Education forums. Likewise, in Kotido, Moroto, Soroti and Arua workshops on Peace, Unity and Development were organised for the community leaders to those areas.
JYAK therefore is committed to promote a common vision of peace and reconciliation and a common understanding among the different peoples of Uganda. JYAK objectives

• Encourage the members to be committed to culture of non-violence.
• Identify with people who are victims of oppression, exploitation and justice, and seeking to work with them in developing resources that can help them rise above such circumstances.
• Nurture young people to develop self-respect and respect for other people, developing the spirit of hard work and overcoming hard-ship.
• Work with the orphans and vulnerable children in the areas of vocational training and empowerment through education.
• Work with rural communities on environmental protection and sustainable development.
• Provide peace education for teachers, youth, women, men, community leaders, armed personnel and others.

Current programmes

• JYAK provides educational training in peace and reconciliation.
• arranges Peace Prayer festivals
• arranges exchange visits between people of different tribes and cultures in Uganda.
• reaches out to the vulnerable youth through its establishment, Gulu Vocational Community Centre which enables both girls and boys to organise themselves, develop practical skills and lead a better life.
• links and networks with other Peace and Human rights Organisations for action and partnership.
• provides information on Peace and activities in Uganda through its newsletter and other publications.

For further information contact:

   
Executive secretary,
P.O.Box 198 Kampala.
Tel 254 041 271050 Fax 256 042 530765
Email: MSU@imul.com