The Campus-to-Community Conflict Navigator & Dialogue Initiative (C3NDI) is implemented by the Institute of Fisheries and Environmental Solutions (IFES Institute) in partnership with East Africa University (EAU), Kigali Independent University (ULK), and Y-Peer Puntland. The initiative bridges university campuses and coastal communities through structured dialogue, conflict prevention, mediation, and youth-led peacebuilding.
The initiative creates practical platforms for students, youth leaders, community members, traditional authorities, and other local stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, identify emerging sources of tension, and develop locally led approaches to conflict prevention and resolution. Through university-community dialogue, youth-led peacebuilding activities, conflict-navigation training, and participatory community engagement, the initiative strengthens the capacity of young people to contribute to peace and social cohesion.
The partnership brings together IFES Institute’s expertise in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, civic engagement, and community-based development with the academic and youth networks of its partner institutions. It also promotes stronger connections between academic knowledge, research, youth leadership, and community experience, enabling universities and young people to play a more active role in local peacebuilding and resilience.
Particular emphasis is placed on equipping young people with practical skills in conflict analysis, dialogue facilitation, mediation, negotiation, peacebuilding, leadership, and social cohesion. By connecting academic knowledge with community experience and local knowledge, C3NDI seeks to strengthen sustainable channels for preventing conflict, addressing grievances, building trust, and fostering collaboration between youth, universities, and coastal communities.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to strengthen a generation of informed and engaged young peacebuilders capable of contributing to peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities while reinforcing the role of universities and youth networks as partners in community peacebuilding and social development.