Home to the largest population of South Sudanese in Canada, Calgary could potentially be a powder keg of tribal tension that could flare up into violence at any given moment. But instead, dialogue, discussions, the city’s first-ever South Sudanese ethnic gala and peaceful demonstrations in support of human rights have marked community life for the diaspora in this city.

It was an evening of sharing ideas on making positive changes in the world - changes such as those illustrated in IofC’s documentary Beyond Forgiving.

Initiatives of Change International has released a press statement about current world crises, signed by former Presidents Cornelio Sommaruga, Mohamed Sahnoun and Rajmohan Gandhi, as well as current President Omnia Marzouk and the whole International Council.

Calgary, March 2014—Months of preparation under the guidance of Janyce Konkin, IofC’s Regional Projects Coordinator in Alberta culminated in a trustbuilding workshop organized and led by student interns from the University of Calgary’s Community Service Learning Project. This program finds community partners willing to provide practical experience for these students to complement their course on “Critical Perspectives on Development Practice and Research.”

Up to 16 people attended the IofC Trustbuilding Workshop for the Altamas for Peace & Development Association.

Initiatives of Change was asked by Calgary Centre for Global Community (CCGC) to present our introductory session of the Trustbuilding workshop.

Augustino Lucano, a South Sudanese living in Calgary, shares how his passion for peace became 'unstoppable', helping to resolve years of conflict in his home state of Eastern Equatoria.

A two and a half day honest conversation and trustbuilding workshop for the South Sudanese people of Jonglei State took place 11-13 May. Using the tools and skills learned during the workshop some of the participants will travel to Jonglei State this summer to conduct grassroots community workshops.