Over 5 years, the POCI approach has transformed how communities respond to conflict in Benue, Kaduna, and Zamfara states. Through grassroots-led initiatives, we've helped communities shift from silence, suspicion, and retaliation—to dialogue, healing, and cooperation.
Trained lay counsellors now support trauma recovery. Dialogue facilitators rebuild trust across divides. Early warning committees defuse tensions before they escalate. Radio shows and WhatsApp groups spread accurate, calming messages. Women and youth lead peace efforts. Farmer-herder associations now collaborate instead of clash.
The real impact? Safer, more connected communities—where peace is a daily choice.
PEACE
FOR US,
BY US
Empowering communities to build peace from within, where every voice matters, and lasting change is driven by those it impacts most.
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mediated disputes
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conflict-prone communities
our impact
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Lay Counsellors Trained
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EWER Meetings Conducted
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Trained Dialogue Facilitators
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People reached on Social Media
Our Partners
Our Approach
POCI empowers communities to address insecurity through robust Early Warning-Early Response (EWER) systems that include approaches to early response that best meet each situation, including structured dialogues to build trust and understanding across divides, psychosocial support to address trauma; advocacy to strengthen stakeholder support and investment; and robust messaging on radio and social media to promote a peacebuilding ethos and counter fake news. The POC approach also emphasizes capacity building for community members and community-based organizations that emphasize training, ongoing mentoring, and regular de-briefing. These components work in synergy to address complex conflicts, reduce violence, promote social cohesion, and empower communities.
early warning
Detecting early signs of rising tensions, such as resource disputes or communal unrest
early response
Early responses through reflective structured dialogues, provision of psychosocial support, advocacy and messaging
Capacity building
Equipping community members and organizations with the skills and resources needed to sustain peace and security
Resources
Download Our How-To Guide
Practical tools for building peace, from the grassroots up.
Our How-To Guide is a practical manual for communities, facilitators, and organizations working to prevent violence, strengthen dialogue, and promote healing.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Step-by-step guides on early warning and response
- Tools for facilitating community dialogue
- Mental health and trauma support techniques
- Advocacy strategies and outreach ideas
