Pacdef

The Peace-building and Capacity Development Foundation (PACDEF) is an organisation working for Health, Gender, Peace Building and Capacity Development of communities. It was established in 2006, and works in Mutare Manicaland province, covering 10 districts of Zimbabwe. The organisation seeks to develop and disseminate strategies for alternatives to violence in response to conflict. It also addresses resource-based conflicts, and has a desk for human rights and governance which deals with issues of local participation and human rights. PACDEF uses community local governance structures, especially of target groups such as traditional leaders, political parties, churches, youth, women's groups, war veterans, disabled, and those who are affected by HIV. Its methods are centred on advocacy and civil education. PACDEF's vision is a society of free citizens who are aware of their obligations and rights, who work together and care for each other, fostering the principles of good governance. At the heart of PACDEF's operations is the enhancement of local people's effective engagement with local government on community issues so that they influence policy, and improve governance and respect for human rights, peace and community development. PACDEF strives to accomplish its work by putting into practice the maxim 'Do no ask the way to peace; peace is the way'. The organisation believes that peace is a way of life, a culture that shapes attitudes, choices and human behaviour.