With the assistance of funding from Service Civil International (SCI), a wonderful training program was devised and carried out. Throughout July, we hosted the Peace Across the Sea, a weekly online training, bringing together 20 participants—10 from Australia and 10 from Indonesia. This collaborative programme is a joint initiative between International Volunteers for Peace Australia (IVP Australia) and the Bhumi Horta Foundation Indonesia (BHF).
The training aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to design and implement impactful local actions within their communities and organisations. Sessions were led by Mauro from SCI Italy, Rita from IVP Australia, and Sany from BHF, with support from Lexi (Indonesia), Doris, and Xinge (Australia).
The course was divided into four key phases:
Phase 1: Understanding SCI’s Approach
Participants explored how Service Civil International (SCI), with over a century of experience, promotes peace through volunteer projects worldwide. Case studies, including the “Tent of Nations” in Palestine and the GAIA Project in Kosovo, highlighted SCI’s informal yet powerful approach to fostering community participation and creating positive change.
Phase 2: Conflict and Leadership Styles
Participants learned about different types of conflicts that can emerge in social projects and explored leadership styles—passive, assertive, and aggressive—along with their strengths and weaknesses. Discussions highlighted how conflict management varies depending on leadership approaches and group dynamics. Emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning were introduced as essential tools for effective and empathetic leadership.
Phase 3: Project Cycle Management
To help leaders stay grounded in their project’s vision and mission, participants were guided through the stages of Project Cycle Management. This framework supports informed decision-making and strengthens the sustainability and impact of social initiatives.
Phase 4: Evaluation and Sustainability
Finally, participants discussed programme evaluation methods and the role of leaders in ensuring continuous improvement. This phase emphasised sustainability, encouraging participants to consider how their projects can create lasting impact beyond their immediate implementation.
With the online training complete, participants will now prepare local action proposals throughout August. These proposals will receive partial funding through SCI International’s regranting programme, and outcomes will be shared at the online Final Evaluation Seminar in December.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their dedication and to Service Civil International for enabling this initiative. Together, we move one step closer to building a more peaceful world through collaborative action.
