Community Peace Center - Project Proposal

Project Title

Community Peace Center, Kerala, India.

Project Need

Funds for Land and Building for the 'Community Peace Center'.

Project Description

Concept Overview

The Asian sub continent is known for its diverse identity in the form of geographic differences, availability of natural resources, races, religion, cultures, economies, politics, etc. Deprivation and exploitation of these diversities are the natural fallouts which provoke revolt and retaliation, which assume disastrous forms of violence. The history of Asia is marked with a variety of conflicts based on these diversities of the region which continue to reign even today - the recent terrorist attacks in India ( multiple bombings in Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. ), Pakistan (on the Sri Lankan cricket team), military tension in the Kashmir valley, the conflicts between the LTTE and Srilankan government, the communal riots in Assam, the religious conflicts in Kerala and Gujarat (Muslim and Hindu fundamentalists), the attacks and killing of Christians in Orisa and other parts of India, the brutal attack on young girls in pubs at Mangalore and Bangalore - all within the span of a year ! Communal conflicts especially in the southern parts have been commonplace since a very long time in history. Due to the emerging global commercialization and growing corporate sector, the agricultural farmers are given a back seat (considering that over 70% of India is farming). The economic struggles are cause for high suicide rates among farmers.

Problem and Justification

These conflicts have manifested themselves in extremely brutal and violent ways impacting ordinary civilians. The battlefields in these circumstances are not distant borders but primarily civilian areas: homes, markets, schools, farms etc. And the repercussions leading to poverty, hunger, physical and mental traumas, leaving several widowed or orphaned. There are a very large number of organizations catering to the needs of the likes. However, the foremost outcome of such conflicts is the lack of an environment of peace and harmony. The concept of a 'Community Peace Center' has evolved to cater to this need. Peace activists associated with the Cultural Academy for Peace have identified the establishment of such a 'Community Peace Center' as an immediate need, in these parts of the globe inflicted with violence and conflicts, for which all here are working very hard.

We hope to establish the 'Community Peace Center' where we can host our nonviolence education programs, peace initiatives and gender sensitization programs and also could offer space for peace activities to come together for rejuvenation across the borders. This center would be a common, international platform for inter group dialogues, bringing people from both sides of conflicting areas together. This can be a center for people to spend some quiet time or meditation. Such learning's and sharing could be disseminated through the Gurukula system. The Gurukulas were forest schools of ancient India , the seats of culture and learning where students and scholars from countries like China , Tibet , Japan and Sri Lanka came for study and research. We hope to revive the Gurukula system through the Community Peace Center, offering a serene atmosphere, close to nature and an ecological setting.

Target Population

The Center will be a resource center for community members in search of information, social services, or a peaceful place to meditate. In addition to serving the local community, the Peace Center will be a gathering place and resource center for international peace activists, scholars, volunteers, and other guests. Visiting local and international peace activists will build their capacity through the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and skills. Youth volunteer programs at the Center will provide young people with a powerful service experience and the opportunity to learn about peace and reconciliation, active nonviolence, Gandhian philosophy and Gurukula system of learning.

Geographic Location

Cultural Academy for Peace is located in Kerala, a small state situated to the extreme southwest of the Indian peninsula. Flanked by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats mountain range to the east, Kerala has a moderate tropical climate and a coastline that stretches for 580 kilometers. At 819 persons per square kilometer, Kerala's population density is three times the national average, with the highest concentration in coastal areas. The three primary religious groups in Kerala are Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. Kerala is predominantly an agrarian economy.

Cultural Academy for Peace has selected Kochi, Kerala as its current location and site of the proposed Community Peace Center for numerous reasons, including the region's pronounced socioeconomic need, vulnerability of women, and ideal geographic location. Although Kerala has enjoyed notable gains in the areas of education, health, and communal harmony, the state continues to struggle with a variety of social problems. At three times the national average, Kerala's suicide rate is among the highest in India . In addition, Kerala is plagued by the highest per capita rate of alcohol consumption in the country as well as alarming rates of drug abuse.

In addition to the demonstrated need for Cultural Academy for Peace's services in Kochi , the city is a fitting setting for the Community Peace Center because of its ideal geographic location (local, national and international accessibility), availability of social services, and strong network of Cultural Academy for Peace affiliates. As the map indicates, Kochi is situated in the central region of Kerala, making it accessible from all parts of the state. In addition, Kochi is home to one of the state's two international airports as well as numerous train and bus facilities. Thus, the Peace Center will be able to effectively serve both the local and international community from its proposed base in Kochi , Kerala. Also, Kochi 's medical and legal facilities include a number of government and private hospitals that provide free or subsidized services, a family court, Kerala High Court, and a vigilant women's police force. Finally, Cultural Academy for Peace has been operating in Kochi for the past fifteen years. During this time, Cultural Academy for Peace has built a strong network of supportive individuals and organizations and has developed a positive reputation in the community. These factors will ensure that Cultural Academy for Peace's efforts to improve upon and expand its services through the Peace Center will be successful.

Project Plan

Objectives and Activities

The Community Peace Centre will allow Cultural Academy for Peace to strengthen its existing programmes while pursuing additional initiatives. The objectives and activities described below are meant to supplement Cultural Academy for Peace's current services, rather than to replace them. The Community Peace Centre will enable Cultural Academy for Peace to expand its objectives and activities to include the following:

• To enhance Cultural Academy for Peace's organisational functioning by housing services, administrative staff, and project staff at one central location.
• To house a 'Peace and Non-violence Study Centre' which would be a resource centre and training institute for nonviolence, peacebuilding and mediation.
• To host platforms for networking of National and international peace groups to come together for discussions and mediation.
• To provide a retreat and resource centre for local and international peace activists, scholars, and volunteers.
• To provide a safe haven for women and children in distress and a refuge for community members in search of information, social services, or a peaceful place to meditate.
• To provide on-site non violence and mediation training, awareness generation and capacity building programmes through the Gurukula form of education.
• To organize youth volunteer programmes that provide young people with a powerful service experience and the opportunity to learn about peace and reconciliation, active nonviolence, and Gandhian philosophy.

Description of the Physical Space

The Community Peace Centre will house Cultural Academy for Peace programmes in a peaceful and natural environment away from the main city. The Peace Centre grounds will provide a soothing respite from the stress of daily city life. The layout and structures would be built using environmentally friendly concepts and materials.

The main building will accommodate:

• Public Gathering Spaces
• Programme Offices
• Resource Center / Library
• Meditation Area
• Conference Rooms
• Confidential Counselling Quarters

The property will also include:

• A guest hostel - for groups attending trainings and special events.
• Accommodation for visiting peace activists (national and international).
• Dining rooms with kitchen and pantry facility.
• The surrounding grounds will be covered with trees and space for flower and vegetable gardens where visitors and residents can relax.

Environmental Impact

The project possesses no serious or minor threat to the bio diversity of the area except for the place where the building is to be set up. The building itself is to be eco friendly with a built in rainwater harvesting system. The water resources will also be utilized from the harvesting system and will not cause any damage to the water tables in the area. The premises will be a plastic free zone. Also a self sustained waste management system would be set up.

Projected Budget

Since this is the first step towards the setting up of the peace centre, the primary requirement is now to obtain the physical infrastructure in the form of land and building at Kochi , Kerala INDIA . The following is a breakup of the estimated cost in the Indian Rupees and in Euro at the prevailing rates.

We anticipate obtaining the remaining funding from other resources locally and other funding agencies.

Implementation Plan

• Secure funding through public and private grants, donations, and loans.
• Purchase land in Kochi , Kerala with access to public transportation facilities and social service agencies.
• Obtain all required government permits.
• Retain architect and construction contractor to plan and execute development.
• Complete infrastructure development at the shortest possible time with minimal cost and most efficient and effective architecture in an eco friendly, self sustained manner.

Organizational Structure and Operations

The experienced and qualified members of Cultural Academy for Peace's Executive body and General Body will continue to govern and manage the Community Peace Centre as per legal requirements to set up such an institution. The operations and functioning of the centre would be carried out through participatory methods.

Sustainability Plan

In order to ensure the sustainability of the project the plan is to:

• Seek local and central Government support.
• Mobilize Local, National and International Resources.
• Avail Volunteer's help.
• Ensure the involvement of the community members.
• Raise local fund through charity shows, exhibition, sales etc.
• Avail the existing resources from Governmental and Non Governmental sectors.

Conclusion

Cultural Academy for Peace has advocated tirelessly for peace and gender equality on the local, national, and international levels. The proposed Community Peace Centre will allow Cultural Academy for Peace to build upon its current services by providing safe housing, social services, a resource centre, and training facilities to women and children, local and international community members, activists, students, and scholars. Kochi is the proposed site of the Community Peace Centre due to its ideal geographic location and the pronounced need for Cultural Academy for Peace's services. Cultural Academy for Peace's reputation in the community and strong network of supporters and affiliated organizations will ensure the Peace Centre's ultimate success. Cultural Academy for Peace is in need of financial support at this time in order to realize its potential and make the Community Peace Centre a reality.

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