Global peace begins in local communities – which is why the Tutu Foundation UK, has been rolling out its training programme in Sutton, with local community groups. The Tutu Foundation has only just returned from working in South Africa, where they were asked to share their work & expertise, during a week’s programmes kicked off by a lecture by Kofi Annan. Tutu UK, which works exclusively in England & Wales, was specially invited by Archbishop Desmond and Mrs Leah Tutu, to demonstrate their special brand of community peace building work in Cape Town. Speaking on her return, Alexandra Ankrah, Chief Executive of the Tutu Foundation, reflected on their experience: “At the Foundation UK we have developed something we call the Ubuntu Driven Approach. All inspired by Archbishop Desmond and Mrs Leah Tutu’s very practical approach to truth and reconciliation. Ubuntu is about being human together – recognising our common creation and inter-dependency. Initially we did worry about whether people would see our contribution, in South Africa as ‘authentic’ – after all ‘Ubuntu’ is Africa’s gift to the world.”

Any worries about being authentic, soon evaporated as over the week the UK’s Community Facilitators, delivered the Tutu Foundation’s community development programme. Now back in Sutton, the charity has already been working with local community groups and five people have gained the Tutu Foundation’s City and Guilds Training-the-Trainer. Preparing community groups in Sutton to work more effectively with people and communities where there has been a history of tension, conflict and even violence. Ray and Vi Donovan of the Chris Donovan Trust both gained their qualification and said: “The training was a real eye opener and we know it will help us with our work to promote partnerships that empower victims to deal with a crime and raise awareness of the benefits of Restorative practice. Though we are based in Sutton we work in Prisons, Youth Centre across the UK and our work is about stopping another family going through what we have, as the victims of crime.”

As the staff of the Tutu Foundation like to remind people their work has no religious or party political affiliations; but is 100% inspired and community led – it’s all about the people – all about our humanity.

"Sharing our work with local groups like Happy World Arts, Edustage, the Vine Project and of course the Chris Donovan Trust is key to building stronger communities", remarked Shelley Collins, the Tutu Foundations Lead Training Partner.

The Tutu Foundations next Conversations for Change Workshops, as well as Peer Coaching Training, accredited by ITOL, are free & open to all age groups and take place in Sutton & Southwark for details contact: info@tutufoundationuk.org.uk   Based on information supplied by Alex Ankrah.