ESS Collaborative Scaling Model
Through our Collaborative Scaling Model, we empower communities for lasting peace. This model leverages strategic partnerships with key players, a peacemakers network trained in mediation, and an online and offline platform for efficient dispute resolution. This empowers individuals to resolve disputes peacefully, reduces poverty, and alleviates the backlog of court cases, tackling the root causes of conflict for a more equitable and accessible legal system.
Our Collaborative Scaling Model leverages three (3) key steps: strategic partnerships, peacemakers network, and Online and offline mediation to empower communities for lasting peace and harmony.
​1. Strategic Partnerships
Collaboration with various organizations and institutions to effectively identify and assist vulnerable populations. These partners include governmental agencies, the Judiciary, development partners, local and international NGOs, and community-based organizations.
Such partnerships leverage established infrastructure and resources, such as the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Tanzania Arbitration Center (TAC), Tanzania International Arbitration Center (TIAC), Tanzania Network For Legal Aid Providers, law firms, and The High Court of Tanzania Mediation Center. By collaborating with these key players, we ensure that vulnerable populations are reached and receive the support they need.
2. Peacemakers Network
Empower community leaders with the skills and knowledge to peacefully mediate disputes. Offer mediation training aligned with Ministry certifications, opening doors to financial independence through mediation fees. ​
These empowered individuals include local government leaders (Tencel leaders), religious leaders, law enforcers, judicial officers, heads of family, heads of people with disability (PwD) organizations, business associate leaders, and heads of clans in villages, along with other leaders who already resolve disputes amicably in their communities.
Additionally, empower diverse voices like youth leaders, women's groups, and individuals with strong conflict resolution skills to become peacemakers.
3. Online & Offline Mediation
This platform empowers both online and offline use. Peacemakers access resources, share knowledge and conduct mediation even in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Offline functionality ensures the continuity of mediation sessions even in challenging circumstances.
Additionally, disputants and peacemakers connect easily through the online platform, streamlining communication and scheduling, and saving time and money by reducing travel costs and dispute resolution time.
​
Model's Sustainability
Sustainable Strategies for our Collaborative Scaling Model:
​
Strategic Partnerships:
-
Expanding partner network by targeting private sector actors, faith-based organizations, and media outlets for broader reach and impact. Move beyond memorandums of understanding to joint projects, resource sharing, and co-funding opportunities.
-
Developing the capacity of partners by offering training workshops, knowledge exchange programs, and mentorship opportunities to strengthen partner organizations' abilities to support our work.
Peacemakers Network:
-
Offering ongoing training and support to peacemakers by providing refresher learning material, specialized mediation skills training, and mentorship to ensure peacemakers stay updated and effective.
-
Promoting peer learning and knowledge sharing through the online platform, regional meetings, and knowledge exchange for peacemakers to share best practices and support each other.
Online & Offline Mediation Platform:
-
Expanding the platform functionalities by Including features for case management, document sharing, secure video conferencing, and sign language services.
-
Developing partnerships with technology providers to improve the platform's accessibility and functionality in underserved areas.
Sustainability assessment
We regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of our interventions. The information from impact assessments (community outcomes, program reach, and cost-effectiveness) is for measuring the model's effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring its long-term impact. This informs resource allocation, training priorities, and peace-creating efforts.
​
Theory of Change
Our theory of change centers on addressing the dissatisfaction and erosion of trust within Tanzania's justice system by promoting mediation and fostering a peacemakers network. Through strategic partnerships, a network of empowered mediators, and a mediation platform, we aim to bridge the existing gap between legal institutions and evolving community needs.
​
We strive to make mediation services widely accepted and accessible to marginalized communities with the assistance of peacemakers. Ultimately, this citizen-centric approach seeks to enhance democratic dispute resolution, moving away from the adversarial system, and contributing to the rebuilding of trust in the justice system, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.