On August 7, 2024, GYAN's interim director, Opal Leeman Bartzis’s opening remarks kicked off an innovative 12-day hybrid learning program designed to help small businesses and nonprofits address internal conflict. Titled "Conflict Management for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted by Internal Conflict," the program engaged 155 participants from hybrid centers in Nigeria and Angola, focusing on conflict resolution strategies.

In collaboration with the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding, the program highlighted a shared commitment to promoting peace and conflict resolution. The partnership reflects the importance of equipping young leaders with the skills needed to overcome organizational challenges.

"Our mission is to create platforms that empower youth by providing solutions to build stronger, more cohesive organizations," said Opal. "This initiative offers practical strategies for conflict resolution, leadership, and cooperation within small businesses and nonprofits."

Participants engaged with key topics designed to enhance their understanding and application of conflict management techniques.These techniques included:

•     Understanding the sources and dynamics of conflict
•     Effective communication and active listening
•     Mediation and negotiation strategies
•     Building trust and cooperation within organizations
•     Case studies and practical exercises for real-world application

This diverse curriculum ensured that participants gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of conflict resolution.

The program featured a panel of expert facilitators from around the globe:

• Dr. Mariia Levchenko (Ukraine) – A peace worker involved in Ukraine and global initiatives.
• Carolina Zapata (Dominican Republic) – Specializes in community mediation and conflict resolution.
• Mansuk Milton (South Sudan) – Known for his efforts in peace processes and reconciliation.
• Benedito Catumbela (Angola) – Holds an expertise in conflict management within African contexts.
• Chibuzor Agomuoh – A community engagement specialist at IREX’s exchange program.

These facilitators brought extensive experience in conflict resolution, providing participants with a wealth of knowledge to help navigate internal conflicts.

Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained to improve both their conflict resolution skills and leadership abilities, contributing to stronger organizational cohesion. A post-program survey revealed that 97.6% of participants experienced significant improvement in handling conflict situations.

Feedback included comments like, “I gained a deep understanding of the complexities of human nature and how they influence our daily interactions,” and “I now view others' experiences with greater empathy, recognizing their emotions and communicating that recognition effectively.”

By equipping young leaders with crucial conflict resolution tools, GYAN reinforces its commitment to building peaceful, productive organizations and advancing sustainable peacebuilding across diverse communities.