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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has partnered institutions of higher learning to help in its conflict resolution crusades.

The church-based organisation is working with the National Peace Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) in bringing peace in communities with a conflicted past.

In an interview after a two-day ZCC/Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Convergence on Peace symposium at the university’s Herbert Chitepo Law School last week, ZCC programme officer Mr Ronald Nare said it was strategic to partner universities in matters of conflict resolution.

The symposium was held under the theme, “Turning to the local in peace building”.

“We have partnered GZU so that our approach to conflict resolution becomes research based,” said Mr Nare. “We do not stop here, but we are going to partner all universities with disciplines on peace building.”

Mr Nare said the symposium was an eye-opener as it presented a platform to stakeholders who had the chance to present topical issues on conflict.

“We had the NPRC mandated to lead in conflict resolution,” he said. “We also got presentations from those representing people living with disabilities and the presenter gave a presentation on conflict resolution from the special group’s perspective.

Mr Nare said ZCC established local peace councils comprising a number of stakeholders from across all persuasions including political parties and war veterans.

He said the major aim was to be all inclusive and the coming on of academics would propel the church-based organisation’s aspirations.

The co-convener of the symposium, who is also GZU Department of Psychology and Peace Building, Dr Manasa Sibanda, said it was prudent for academics and religious groups to be involved in all efforts on conflict resolution in the country.