Peace is Not the Mere Absence of War
The Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation works to end the cycle of violence in the tribal lands of Eastern Africa.
Our Vision
A society where Peace, Social Justice and Reconciliation prevails throughout Africa.
Our Mission
To work for a society free of physical violence and unjust social structures in Africa, while building peaceful and reconciled communities.
Our Core Values
Shalom promotes:
- Non-violent societal transformation
- Integral human development and security
- Inter-Religious Tolerance
- Peace, Truth, Justice, and Mercy
- Environmental Integrity
- Respect for local culture and traditions
What is the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation?
The Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation focuses on the root cause of violence in the tribal lands of eastern Africa. It was created in 2009 in the wake of persistent widespread violence and dislocation across northern Kenya, and in the aftermath of the disputed Kenyan elections. Shalom has made a major impact on peace initiatives in this vital strategy of Africa.
Who Governs and Administers Shalom?
Shalom-SCCRR was founded in 2009 by Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine, SMA, presently the International Chairman, a social entrepreneur and missionary with over 30 years of experience working to transform conflict and poverty in Africa. It is strictly a non-sectarian and inter-religious organization, registered in Kenya and closely aligned with civil society organizations. There is a highly qualified board from peace, development, religious, finance, and economic backgrounds, who oversee with exemplary professionalism, the project implementation, and financial administration. Fr. Oliver Noonan, MA (Ph.D. Candidate), assists as an executive director on the board.
Meet Shalom-SCCRR Team
The Shalom-SCCRR team comprises of; Mr. Godfrey Okoth MA (PhD Candidate), MA, Senior Project Officer, Mrs. Judith Akedi-Otsieno MA, Project Officer, Team Leader, Mr. Francis Mwangi MA, M.E.R.L Officer. Mr. Austin Ngacha, MA, Project Officer, Team Leader, Mr. Arthur Magero, MA, Project Officer, Team Leader, Ms. Esther Kibe, MA, Project Officer, Team Leader, Mr. Kennedy Odhiambo, MA, Project Officer, Team Leader, Mr. Moses Osiro, MA, Project Assistant, Sr. Jovalet Ariho BA (MA Candidate), Shalom-SCCRR In-Training Capacity Program, Mr. Kipkoech Kipruto, B.Com., ACCA, Accountant, Mr. Remmy Ndiema, B.BM, CPA, Accountant, Mr. Ken Otieno Dipl. PPM, Transport /Logistics Coordinator and Ms. Jacinta Nyambura Njeri, BA (MA Candidate), Shalom-SCCRR In-Training Capacity Program. They proficiently design and implement conflict transformation and development (special emphasis on inter-ethnic and interreligious schools) programs, in teamwork with local and an international team of conflict resolution experts, from various religious backgrounds and disciplines who are based in Kenya and neighboring countries.
How is Shalom Funded?
Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation is primarily supported by our registered affiliate branches in the Republic of Ireland, UK-N. Ireland, and the USA (Shalom Center of Africa – 501c3), and by partner organizations and a network of visionary donors. Shalom-SCCRR also assists other organizations in actualizing their different interventions. With a budget of less than $1M US per year and low overhead costs, Shalom-SCCRR leverages the donations of its supporters to maximize its work on the ground in tribal areas, particularly in the semi-arid terrains, and in the largest slum settlements in urban centers of Eastern Africa. Your donations are welcome, requested, and deeply appreciated. DONATE: Pay Pal or CONTACT US
Who are Shalom’s partners?
Shalom benefits from the cooperation of the governments of eastern Africa that comprise the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and its work is endorsed by the IGAD executive secretary. Shalom also partners with international and regional colleges and universities on peace-building courses, as well as religious association and councils in Africa.
Shalom makes its findings available to partners, relevant governments, ethnic representatives and United Nation and regional organizations. These partners include:
- Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) – Eight Countries in the Horn of Africa [Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, & Kenya]
- Kenyan Government Departments
- Edward Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth
- Queen’s University (Belfast)
- Christensen Fund (USA)
- Society of Africa Missions (SMA)
- Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC)
- Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya (RSCK)
- Tangaza College (Constituent College of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa) Catholic University of South Sudan
Meet Fr. Patrick Devine
Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR) was founded in 2009 by Fr. Patrick Devine, SMA, a social entrepreneur and missionary priest with 35 years of experience helping to mitigate conflict and poverty in Africa. Shalom-SCCRR’s headquarter are in Kenya. However, the organization has its sustainable peace and development tentacles spread in more than 30 conflict environments in eastern Africa, including Democratic Republic of Congo. For almost three decades he has contributed immensely to the governance, leadership and development of Tangaza University College and Council. He holds a doctorate in Political Science and Public Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Peace Studies and International Relations. With these qualifications and more than 35 years’ experience in Africa attending to issues of underdevelopment, manifest and structural violence, religious ideological extremism, and deficits in public administration, Dr. Patrick is one of the leading authoritative voices on conflict resolution and reconciliation on the continent and a model of the transformative power of higher education on social life. In 2013, he was honored with the International Caring Award, succeeding the Dalai Lama and received numerous other local and international accolades for his contribution to justice, peace and development transformations.
This is his inspiring story.
