Over the last two months workshops have been conducted for young people in Soweto; a multiracial group of women in the coastal town of Mossel Bay; for young and up coming social workers in Johannesburg. While the Gandhi group was in Johannesburg we took the opportunity to hold a follow up workshop on leadership for some of the young people.

It is clear that the workshop has important significance. It has touched diverse groups of people, from young to not so young, grass roots to young professionals and reached into the multi racial mix, a much needed and sensitive area as the country from time to time experiences heightened racial tensions. It has challenged life styles and attitudes and offered life skills that could bring new and fresh ways forward in people lives.

One person expressed that she was like a bottle of water, constantly having to fill her families’ bottles, but there was no one to fill hers. She went away with renewed hope.

A social worker responsible for the group of young professionals said: "At the end of the workshop there was more cohesiveness and teamwork amongst the group due in part to a deeper understanding of each others life journeys and expectations." Another participant said, "The workshop helped plant seeds of honest conversation between the different races."

A young person expressed, "Telling lies doesn’t pay, telling the truth is difficult but is the only way to inner peace."

In the months ahead more workshops are in the pipeline with contacts made during the Gandhi visit also to be followed up. If you would like a Peace Circle workshop to be conducted where you are, please contact coordinators Portia Mosia 071 305 4214 or Jackie Euvrard 072 992 9492.

Bukiwe Maseko, Cleo Mohlaodi, Jackie Euvrard, Portia Mosia