Sudan: renovating the Chulukea Peace Centre

The Chulukea community is located in West Habila, Sudan bordering Noralhoda, Lolunge, and Kagangase. It is home to about 520 households and 2,600 residents. The main economic activities include farming, livestock breeding, and some trading. Due to its strategic location, the community has strong social ties and good communication with nearby villages.

The Chulukea Peace Centre is an important place for community interaction and a symbol of peace and unity. Before its renovation, the centre lacked resources and had inadequate basic amenities, such as proper shelter and sanitation facilities. Constructed from local materials, mainly wood and hay, the original centre faced challenges in hosting meetings and problem-solving sessions. Community members often struggled to gather during extreme weather, forcing them to use open areas for sanitation, which compromised comfort and privacy. 

Renovating the Peace Centre was essential not only to improve basic infrastructure but also to strengthen the community’s capacity to respond collectively to the growing challenges of climate change and conflict. As a hub for dialogue, training, and resource sharing, the Centre plays a key role in enhancing climate adaptation by enabling inclusive decision-making on natural resource management, early warning systems, and peaceful dispute resolution. Through renovations like these, this project helps reinforce local governance structures and resilience in a region where environmental stress often fuels tensions.

Upgrades include two new rooms, a shaded gathering area measuring 5x12 square meters, and a newly installed sanitation facility. A fenced perimeter has been added for improved privacy and security, along with a new solar power system, consisting of two 200W batteries, solar panels, a regulator, inverter, and necessary wiring that now provides essential energy to the centre.

These enhancements have made the Chulukea Peace Centre a more functional space for community meetings, social events, and peace reconciliation sessions, leading to greater interaction and social cohesion among residents. The upgraded facilities also encourage community members to explore modern construction methods to reduce fire hazards related to traditional building materials. 

Community leaders, including Alsadik Abaker Ahmed, head of the Community Action Groups (CAGs), have expressed gratitude for the significant improvements made by Catholic Relief Services. The centre’s capacity to host visitors and training sessions has increased, allowing for larger groups without the limitations experienced earlier due to inadequate shelter. The centre now acts as a catalyst for community spirit and unity. Through the Ma’an Aqwa project, the Chulukea Peace Centre has become a symbol of hope and resilience, connecting communities and providing essential services while promoting unity in a region affected by past conflicts.