“In terms of creating sustainable networks, that’s also something that GIJTR does that’s very unique...There are partnerships that have been created through GIJTR that never would have come into existence otherwise.” —GIJTR Consortium partner
A Network for the Ages: CREATING LASTING IMPACT
As a network itself, GIJTR partners know well the value, in terms of efficiency and efficacy, of working collaboratively. GIJTR programming is infused with opportunities for communities to learn from other contexts—since its inception, it has facilitated 58 cross-regional exchanges. Interactions among participants have allowed learning from other contexts and exposed them to new activities and program models that they can replicate in their settings.
GIJTR uses this approach within countries as well since conflicts and periods of authoritarianism often erode trust among communities generally, and specifically drive wedges between civil society organizations. One key impact of GIJTR programming, particularly through its training workshops, is to bring CSOs together to rebuild connections and deepen trust. In many cases, whether they met in country-based project exchanges or through GIJTR Transitional Justice Academies, participants remain in contact through WhatsApp groups and other platforms. This allows them to maintain not only professional contacts to share opportunities for funding, for instance, but also to have a much-needed sense of solidarity with other activists working in challenging and often disheartening contexts.
Participants in the African Youth Transitional Justice Academy at a GIJTR capacity-building workshop in Rwanda in 2019.
“Me alone, I can’t do anything. But now I have people to walk with.” —African Youth TJ Academy participant, South Sudan
35
GIJTR’s Impact In Depth: Civil Society
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online