Inadequate practice, knowledge and skills in peacebuilding in the sub-region prompted WANEP to institutionalize its capacity building component by establishing the West Africa Peacebuilding Institute (WAPI). WAPI offers the platform and the opportunity for CSOs, policy makers and individuals involved in relief, development, and peacebuilding activities as well as those involved in human rights and advocacy work in West Africa and beyond. It provides access to advanced training in peacebuilding rooted in their respective context and reality. WAPI has become a reputable regional training program that awards certificates to trainees.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Institute are to:
- Sustain the development of action-oriented capacity for conflict transformation and peacebuilding;
- Increase the number of competent, informed and active peacebuilding practitioners in West Africa;
- Provide quality training in peacebuilding at reduced cost;
- Develop context specific models of conflict transformation and peacebuilding adapted to the reality of West Africa in particular and Africa as a whole ;
- Bridge the gap between policy and practice in peacebuilding by linking with key University and Institutions of Higher Learning in formal and informal partnerships and joint programmes
WAPI has successfully increased WANEP’s visibility in the region. Since its launch in 2002, WAPI has trained and strengthened the capacity of over 350 practitioners from Civil Society and regional bodies including staff from ECOWAS, AU and the UN. The institute has drawn participants from across the whole of Africa, Europe, America and Asia. Participants have benefited greatly from the wide range of expertise and diverse experiences.
The Institute conducts training each year and always revisits and revises its curriculum to reflect the changing landscape of peacebuilding in Africa. These revisions will reflect and respond to current and emerging issues and trends in peacebuilding and will keep WAPI at the forefront of peacebuilding training.