Reconciliation
Since reconciliation is often equated with forgiveness, the main objective of this workshop is to achieve a better understanding of reconciliation and distinguish its meaning at the level of society and at the level of the individual.
Workshop Example
Game
Why Reconciliation?
Type of exercise: Wall newspaper, role play
Duration: 20–25 minutes
Materials: Flipchart paper, markers
Exercise description
The participants should imagine themselves having to explain to someone why we need reconciliation and find arguments in support of it. One person from the training team takes a sceptical position regarding reconciliation and asks that every argument is explained until it is completely clear and acceptable. The arguments are written on a wall newspaper/board.
My Contribution to Reconciliation
Type of exercise: Individual work, presentations in plenary
Duration: 45–50 minutes
Exercise description
The task is for each participant to say what they see as their contribution to reconciliation, taking turns around the circle. Before they start, they should be given some time to think about what they will say.
Note
This exercise can also be used for the Peacebuilding topic. In that case, everyone talks about their contribution to peacebuilding.
Reconciliation Barometer
Duration: 40 minutes
Exercise description
Barometer method
Suggested statements for the barometer:
- Nation building is part of the reconciliation process.
- Recognising that an injustice has been committed and apologising are preconditions for reconciliation.
- Prosecuting war crimes is a precondition for reconciliation.
- Truth is a precondition for reconciliation.
- Dialogue with the enemy is a precondition for reconciliation.
- People who are impartial should work on reconciliation.
- There can be no reconciliation without justice for all victims.
- Everyone has the right to reject reconciliation.
Reconciliation and Me
Type of exercise: Individual work
Duration: 30 minutes
Materials: Flipchart paper, markers
Exercise description
Flipchart papers are laid out on the floor, each with one of the following questions:
- What is my biggest challenge in reconciliation?
- With whom and with what am I supposed to reconcile/build relationships?
- Who is supposed to reconcile with whom?
- Who can I, who should I, and who do I want to forgive for what?
- Who do I want and need forgiveness from?
Everyone walks up to write their answer or read what is written. Give people some time to look over what was written.
Note
This exercise is particularly useful when we need to go back to ourselves and our role in society, and especially if the group is motivated to discuss socio-political processes but not to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in them. These issues can also be discussed in the plenary or in small groups, of course, but sometimes it can be useful to close the discussion space and open up space for self-reflection.
Reconciliation Has Arrived!
Type of exercise: Individual work, presentations in plenary
Duration: 30 minutes
Materials: Multicoloured post-its, pencils, Flipchart paper
Exercise description
Everyone gets a few multicoloured post-its (have extra post-its on hand if needed). The task is to imagine that reconciliation has arrived and think about what else becomes possible that was impossible before and write it down on a post-it. One example per post-it. Set aside two or three minutes for thinking and writing. Then everyone is supposed to read what they’ve written and attach their post-its to the wall newspaper so that all the newly opened possibilities are gathered in one place.
Note
It can be useful for someone from the training team to start off the presentations with a few creative examples to set the tone and open up a space for the imagination. Since mutual inspiration is inevitable, let people take extra post-its and volunteer for another turn to read their ideas.