After a violent clash between protesting Sudanese doctors and the police, these groups’ situation in terms of conflict resolution was hopeless. PCDD was called upon to offer workshops to members of both groups simultaneously, focusing on enhancing peace and increasing dialogue. By the end of the time appointed for this training, the policemen and protestors who were adversaries a few days before were now working hand in hand. Within the framework of our training sessions, powerful bonds were created and the overall results of the peace building process were cemented by a common project proposal that both groups agreed upon.

Wadi Khaled, an area on the Lebanese-Syrian border was receiving plenty of aid and assistance since conflicts erupted in the North of Lebanon and Syria. But, the right organization and management was needed in order to make sure help was being distributed to the right people at the right times. Our skills at PCDD were passed on to a group of activists who wanted to wanted to create a system that could efficiently prevent happenings like the reselling of nutritional products and disrupting the business dynamic of the area. The expertise gained by these activists was put to good use when a petition, a successful lobbying initiative, and a well-structured proposal were handed to the municipality’s administration, and the project was a great success when these activists made a significant change in the way aid and resources were distributed.

The city of Saida and its surroundings enjoy a combined population of Lebanese and Palestinians. Again, PCDD’s expertise were put to use when representative NGOs of both groups were brought together to form an effective network. These two groups not only created a plan they both agreed upon, they also strategically mapped out their objectives for the development of their home areas. Pillars such as tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect were the basis of the network and its goals, and success was achieved when democratic dialogue was the tool used to reach a common plan.

A combination of ministries, syndicates, governmental bodies and NGOs overcame the challenge of forming a successful network to bring people closer to their right of access to information. Creating, shaping and coordinating the network itself required the expertise of the Center to make the process as effective as possible. In the end, the network was versatile enough to define the corruption standing in the way of this essential right and pave the way for major progress despite the numerous obstacles that could have disrupted our process.

Districts in South Lebanon were previously unprepared for any unplanned occurrence that requires relief in all its forms. We joined hands with “Salam”, a partner NGO that wanted to spread awareness on the importance of having a pre-set emergency plan in the South. After much lobbying and shuttle negotiation between the heads of municipalities and the Ministry of Interior, PCDD successfully obtained the official consent for “Salam” to implement its project despite numerous officials’ reluctance to cooperate.