What is Islands of Peace?
Islands of Peace is a registered Belgian non-governmental organisation which, since 1962, works in partnership with disadvantaged populations of the South. The aim of this common work is to reinforce the capacity of the partner populations to develop their potential for socio-economic development for better food security.
At the same time, in the North, Islands of Peace wishes to share with the population the experiences led and lived by its partners in the South as well as the ins and outs of development co-operation.
>Further reading about our vocation
A bit of History
Dominique Pire, the founder of Islands of Peace, received in 1958, the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in regards to the refugees, victim of the Second World War. Wishing to tackle not only the symptoms, but above all, the roots of the problem of displaced people, he created in 1960, "l'Université de Paix" whose principal aim was to contribute to the training of an enlightened and active public opinion. In 1962, convinced that without development, peace is not possible, he founded the first Island of Peace in Gohira (Bangladesh), a region devastated by a cyclone as never experienced before.
>Further reading about our history
Actions
Since 1962, a dozen of "Islands of Peace" have emerged in the South: Gohira (Bangladesh, 1962-1967), Kalakad (India, 1968-1975), Timbuktu (Mali, 1975-1994), Yalogo (Burkina Faso, 1982-1999), Bolama (Guinea Bissau, 1986-2003), Pangor (Ecuador, 1995-...), Fada N'Gourma (Burkina Faso, 2000-...), Sacaca (Bolivia (2000-...), Toucountouna (Benin, 2001-...), Tensobentenga (Burkina Faso, 2001-...) and the latest Island of Peace, Yamba (Burkina Faso, 2002-...)
In Belgium, Islands of Peace is particularily active in the education of the public opinion to the realities of developping countries.
>Further reading about our actions
Resources
Islands of Peace's main source of funds is the annual campaign. Each year since 1970, in mid-January, the campaign is the opportunity for the Belgian population in Wallonia and Brussels to express their solidarity for the projects of Islands of Peace's partner populations. This solidarity can take the shape of a better comprehension of their realities, of a financial support of their activities, or even participation in the network of thousands of volunteers who insure the success of our actions. The other sources of funding are donations and legacies and public funding from Belgium (DGDC, Belgian Survival Fund), Luxemburg or EU. Each year, Islands of Peace publishes a detailed financial report (available in French). Islands of Peace's accounting is audited by an independant auditor each year.
Islands of Peace is also a team of about 20 professionals, in Belgium and abroad, who guarantee the best possible use of the available resources.
Further questions ?
Visit our FAQ !
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