“Beyond equipping learners with mediation and dialogue skills, the program strengthens social cohesion, prevents violence, and creates lasting foundations for resilient communities. Its impact extends far beyond the classroom, fostering active citizenship, inclusive participation, and a culture of peace that will benefit the Western Cape for generations to come »
July 31, 2026 – WPDI South Africa is proud to enter a new partnership with the Cape Wine Auction Trust, which allows us to expand our Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) program to the Cape Winelands, equipping young people with the skills to build more peaceful and resilient communities.
Building on the success of WPDI’s peacebuilding programs in the Cape Flats, the initiative will bring conflict resolution education to communities across the Western Cape that continue to face the effects of inequality, social fragmentation, and youth vulnerability. Over the next 12 months, the partnership will strengthen youth leadership, support educators, and help create safer school environments through practical peacebuilding skills.
The program began in July with the recruitment and training of 5 youth leaders from communities across the Cape Winelands. Through an intensive Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) program using a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach, these participants will become certified WPDI Youth Peacemakers, equipped to deliver CRE training in their own communities. In the coming months, they will lead CRE sessions in 5 local schools, reaching 300 students during the first year of implementation, while also training 25 educators to incorporate conflict resolution principles into their classrooms and school communities.
By investing in youth leadership, educator capacity, and practical conflict resolution skills for students, the partnership aims to prevent violence before it begins while strengthening social cohesion and fostering a culture of dialogue and peaceful problem-solving.
« As WPDI, we are so excited about this partnership because sustainable peace begins with empowered young people. By investing in youth leadership, educator capacity, and conflict resolution skills, we are cultivating a new generation of peacebuilders capable of transforming schools and communities. Beyond equipping learners with mediation and dialogue skills, the program strengthens social cohesion, prevents violence, and creates lasting foundations for resilient communities. Its impact extends far beyond the classroom, fostering active citizenship, inclusive participation, and a culture of peace that will benefit the Western Cape for generations to come, » said Dr. Chance Chagunda, WPDI South Africa Country Manager.
The Cape Wine Auction Trust shares this vision, recognizing that education and peacebuilding must go hand in hand to create lasting opportunities for young people.
« We are excited to partner with WPDI as we work together to transform the lives of young people in our wine communities. While the Cape Wine Auction Trust’s primary focus is education, many children face challenges beyond the classroom, and this partnership will help provide the support, resilience and opportunities they need to build a brighter future, » said Paul Clüver, Managing Director of the Cape Wine Auction Trust.
The partnership reflects WPDI’s ongoing commitment to equipping young people with the skills to become leaders for peace while expanding access to conflict resolution education in communities where it can have the greatest impact.