OVERVIEW This module deals with communication, an important aspect of community healing processes. Community healing, reconciliation and peace-building can only be sustainable when communication is effective. No matter how much people try to communicate with others, they are often misunderstood or communicate poorly, thereby disrupting interactions and relations as well as hurting each other in the process. Communication, therefore, can be used either as a vehicle for healing or as a vehicle of destruction. This module helps peace builders understand the concept, its implementation in practice and its importance to community healing. The Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees freedom to seek, receive and communicate ideas and other information (Ch. 4, Part 2:61). AIM To have a community that practises effective communication so as to promote healing. OBJECTIVES • To utilise communication channels that promote dialogue • To build capacity for effective communication that promotes community healing. METHODOLOGY The following are used during the course of this module: • Mini- lectures �� Brainstorming • Role play • Discussions • Group exercises. UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION (Brainstorming, mini lecture and role play) One important and common attribute of all human beings is their ability to communicate. Communication forms the basis of all human interactions. We communicate through signs, speaking, listening, reading and writing. Communication involves giving and receiving information. It is the successful conveying and sharing of ideas and feelings (Oxford Dictionary, 2014). During a dialogue, communication takes place by way of a face-to-face interaction in which people are encouraged to come together to share their views, opinions, feelings and needs in a manner that enhances understanding. The purpose of communication includes finding common ground that enhances community ties, relationships and togetherness. The aim is to construct, together with others, a shared sense of common needs and common ways of meeting those needs that will bind communities together. Importance is placed on communicating with others and not to others. This means that there has to be an exchange which takes place, and this can only be achieved if people listen to each other. Communication seeks to gain insights into the deeper interests and needs of others in order to understand them, their situation and their views in an effort to identify problems, resolve differences and create trust. 86 Community Healing: A training manual for Zimbabwe