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28.08.09 -
NF -
Sri Lanka: Nucleus Entrepreneur Exchange: sustainable peace building through
economic and social integration
Implemented by the Nucleus Foundation
Supported by FLICT (Facilitating Local Initiatives for Conflict Transformation)
Given the conflict situation existing in Sri Lanka until recently
it is on the agenda of many organisations to contribute to peace building
through formation of alliances between those in the north and east and the rest
of the country. The Nucleus approach is used here not only as a tool for
enterprise development but also as a tool to encourage inter ethnic and inter
regional exchange between Nucleus entrepreneurs.
Hypothesis:
Entrepreneurs working in ethnically isolated communities have little empathy for
other communities. When persons of such communities are exposed to the Nucleus
Approach where they exchange ideas and experiences and learn from each other
they develop not only business linkages but also develop relationships that cut
across ethnic lines, and while increasing incomes they also lead to more
economic and social integration and exchanges between the communities
contributing to peace building in a sustainable manner.
The approach followed in promoting this exchange includes:
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Creating Inter ethnic business linkages to promote better
understanding between the different ethnic groups in Ampara district where
Entrepreneurs of one ethnic group participate in joint Nucleus activities
with others from different ethnic groups within the district.
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Increasing networking between ethnic groups and regions
creating more economic and social interaction where Special events are
conducted to develop and encourage cross regional business linkages also
leading to more social interaction, networking and integration between
entrepreneurs in the target areas
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Entrepreneurs in Ampara district who are organised in Nucleus
groups exchange know how and ideas with other entrepreneurs from the other
Provinces through cross visits and participating in common activities.
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National and regional media coverage is provided to these
initiatives in the Sinhala, Tamil and English media (news papers, radio) in
order to increase public awareness and promote this type of interaction
while encouraging more persons to join this process
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The learning experiences of the program is shared and
disseminated among interested groups and a model is developed to engage
entrepreneurs in conflict areas into peace building efforts
Nucleus
Entrepreneur Exchange (pdf)
Nucleus
Entrepreneur Exchange (ppt) |
