Michel Gratton, MS Alumnus and Country Director, War Child DRC
Michel Gratton graduated from S-CAR in December 2010, and has been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the Country Director for War Child UK since then. This NGO specializes in child protection programs with a mandate to support and improve the protection and care of children living with insecurity and poverty in some of the worst conflict-affected places. War Child UK also works in Afghanistan, Iraq, Uganda, and Central African Republic. "Working in conflict and post-conflict settings is different than working on development programs in stable countries. The insecurity and dynamics of failed states complicates interventions and strategies when trying to bring humanitarian assistance to the civilian population," he said. For Michel, S-CAR provided the theoretical understanding and analysis of conflict and post-conflict settings to make his job easier to manage. "Understanding conflict, applying the "Do no harm approach," ensuring programs are not fueling conflict and making sound analysis of the socio-political environment to ensure the security of staff in rebel controlled areas, is central in the day to day tasks related to providing assistance to children and youth in eastern DRC." Looting, kidnappings, rebel attacks, assassinations, rape, violence, and abuse are daily occurrences in the areas where Michel works and providing assistance in such difficult conditions is not an easy task, but having a better understanding of conflict dynamics is key to ensure safe and efficient operation of programs. The other important contribution of S-CAR, Michel noted, is the study of various approaches to peacebuilding that is taught and the use of dialogue to resolve conflicts. "In the programs we design for children and youth, many peacebuilding activities are created in our 'Child Friendly Spaces' to bridge differences between ethnic groups. As fighting is often along ethnic lines, we need to change perspectives with future generations in the hopes we can break the cycle of violence."