Pace e Bene

Engage: Exploring Nonviolent Living Review

By Kabale Ignatius MukuntoPeace and Conflict Studies ProgrammeMindolo Ecumenical Foundation Centre, Kitwe, Zambia 

The journey started by From Violence to Wholeness was the first comprehensive exploration of an in-depth user-friendly exploration of the philosophy and practice of non-violence. As though not enough, the journey continued with the Engage: Exploring Nonviolent Living an exceptional piece of resource and reference materials. Engage is an exceptional book and a must have resource for all non-violent practitioners and scholars.

My own story of utilising this resource is full of wonderful and insightful revelations. By clearly delineating different parts or sessions of the book provides trainers and scholars with an opportunity to deal with one aspect at a time.

It is an indispensable tool for empowering people wishing to employ non-violence as a means of social transformation. It is ideal as a research reference, training manual and action text.

Aside from being a useful and must have training kit, I have found Engage to be also an exceptional reference text for any rigorous study of Non-violence. Since I got a copy of Engage I have thus far only referred to one part [part one] but the result is immeasurable. I used a couple of exercises from all the five sessions and the feedback from the participants was overwhelming. My anticipation therefore, is that by the time I cover the other two parts it will greatly enrich my non-violent journey. In addition, I used the same section in one of my sessions during the Non-violence Course at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation, and one of the students had keenly wanted to have a look at the book. I allowed him and he had it till the next day.

The feedback from the student was very encouraging and he proposed I include Engage on the list textbooks to be ordered for the subsequent. From my hands on experience using this publication, I am convinced that it offers the finest tool for us instructors in inculcating the values and ideals of non-violent action. It will contribute a great deal to the growth and understanding of non-violent action.

Speaking from the standpoint of a Zambian, a country, which may not be experiencing overt civil conflicts or armed conflict but structural violence, this resource should be utilised with a view to assessing its suitability in ridding society of elements that uphold structural violence. Against this background, I am hoping that the proposal by my student to have this resource listed as part of future resources will come to fruition and I will be able make this order for the publication.

It is a handbook for reflection, study and empowerment.