Economic growth and patterns of income distribution have to be considered in an integrative framework of building harmonious relations among different social groups. There is a need for egalitarian growth. If some sections of society believe that they are being marginalised, there will be a problem. The goal of community development and healing cannot be achieved without the equitable distribution of resources to support economic activities of the poor and marginalised. In South Africa, some victims of apartheid are still victims of poverty. These people will easily revisit history and might never forget apartheid, as they blame it for the poverty they find themselves in. It is crucial, therefore, for community healing to be intertwined with economic development. The participation of members of the local population in rebuilding their communities reassures them that they can regain control over their lives, and this helps instil confidence in victims. In order to reduce deep-seated and expanding social disparities, an economic system has to be reformed in such a way that it strengthens the development potential of different ethnic groups and ultimately produces benefits for all groups equitably. In order to promote healing and peace, development programmes have to address the social and economic ills that are usually at the root of violence. Building trust ensues from development programmes that benefit all and which can be implemented in collaboration with former enemies. In Zimbabwe, organisations within the Peace Building Network of Zimbabwe (PBNZ) have been establishing peace gardens in areas considered as political ‘hotspots’. Peace gardens are community gardens that are established with the aim of creating a platform for community members from across the political divide to work together and peacefully interact. At the same time, the gardens offer a livelihood to these communities. Development initiatives can build bridges within and between communities. In Guatemala, a community that was affected by organised violence and torture, the following formed/comprised the three main pillars of community development: 1. Healing; 2. Empowerment; and 3. Development. According to an article in the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, the following was the community-development approach used in Guatemala: Figure 1: Community-development approach as used in Guatemala Health as an entry point Community healing Community empowerment Community development Module 1: Understanding community healing Sustainable development 9 1