Peace Tree Network (PTN)
PTN is an initiative meant to build and consolidate national and regional networks among groups working for peace in Eastern Africa , the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa. It was created in 2000 as a result of continued consultations amongst peace actors in the region. The consultations culminated in a workshop held in Nairobi , in 2000, on “The Challenges of Partnership – Toward an Alliance for Peace-building”. The workshop led to the creation of Peace Gate which has been renamed Peace Tree Network.
As a regional body, PTN is committed to the vision of peaceful coexistence amongst peoples and states of the region. It is a forum for solidarity amongst peace actors and a search for just, sustainable, humane and peaceful alternatives of conflict resolution at local, national and regional levels. A total of 53 organizations, most of which are networks, drawn from Burundi , Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia , Kenya , Rwanda , Sudan , Tanzania and Uganda comprise the current PTN constituency.
The PTN was formed on the basis of the need to harmonize peace initiatives, enhance solidarity among the established linkages, and exchange information, experience and resources. These bases provide the three broad objectives of the network, and in order to achieve these objectives regionally, structures were put in place, which include:
- General Assembly
- (Regional) Steering Committee
- Focal Points (in respective countries in PTN's region of focus)
- Secretariat (www.ptn.or.ke )
A PTN focal point is a chapter of the network in a specific country within PTN's region of focus. The PTN – Kenya focal point is therefore borne out of this structural arrangement.
Being a member of the wider, regional, organization, the PTN – Kenya Focal Point has adopted an identical structural arrangement. The Focal Point is composed of:
- The lead organization (Security Research and Information Centre, SRIC).
- A National Steering Committee of five (5) members, inclusive of the lead organization. The other members of the committee includes Africa Refugee Program (ARP), Chemchemi ya Ukweli (CYU), Peace-building, Healing and Reconciliation Programme (PHARP), and People for Peace in Africa (PPA). The steering committee holds planning and deliberative meetings twice every three months, but may constitute more meetings any other time as need arises.
- Member organizations are currently 10 (ten), including those represented in the steering committee. A general meeting of the entire PTN – Kenya Focal Point membership is held on a quarterly basis.
Vision: PTN envisions a peaceful coexistence amongst people and states of the region
Mission: To develop and maintain collaborative relationships among peace actors in order to promote sustainable peace in the region. This is to be achieved by members cooperating to complement each other's strengths and enhance their capacity for a greater impact through exchange of information, experiences and resources.
Activities
The broad and general activity areas of the network include:
- Networking
- Capacity Building
- Research, Documentation and Publication
- Conflict Transformation
- Advocacy
Application for Membership
PTN – Kenya is composed of organizations working in peace, justice and reconciliation issues. As a basic principle, every member of the PTN identifies with the vision and mission of the network and works for its actualization. A prospective member undergoes the following procedure:
- Formally expressing interest to join and applying through the Coordination Point
- Filling a registration form
- Undergoing a vetting process after introduction before members
- Acceptance by the membership
Given that the current coordinating organization is SRIC, formal application for membership should be through Security Research and Information Centre (SRIC).
