About Us

Who We Are ?

The Indian Ocean Center for Dialogue & Mediation (IOCDM) is a professional institution dedicated to advancing dialogue, mediation, and peaceful conflict resolution across communities, institutions, and regions.

We work to strengthen the use of dialogue and mediation as effective tools for addressing disputes, preventing conflict, and promoting inclusive and sustainable peace. Through training, capacity building, advisory support, and applied practice, IOCDM supports individuals and organizations to manage conflict constructively and foster cooperation.

Our work is grounded in practical experience, research-informed approaches, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. We engage with public institutions, civil society organizations, international partners, academic institutions, and community actors to embed mediation and dialogue practices within organizational systems and social processes.

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School Supplies Delivered

5000 +

Learning Centers Built

120 +

Volunteer Teachers Mobilized

300 +

Countries Reached

50 +

Our Values

Our work is guided by principles that shape our institutional culture and define how we engage with partners, communities, and stakeholders.

Collaboration

We believe meaningful impact is achieved through partnership. We collaborate with organizations and individuals to share knowledge, resources, and expertise.

Integrity

We uphold high ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all our engagements and professional relationships.

Professionalism

We are committed to excellence, quality service delivery, and adherence to recognized best practices in dialogue and mediation.

Long-Term
Relationships

We value sustainable partnerships built on trust, mutual respect, fairness, and shared goals.

Meet Our Team

Prof Cori Wielenga

Director

Dr Chenai Matshaka

Project Manager

Dr Marlie Holtzhausen

Project coordinator

Dr Edknowledge Mandikwaza

Mediation researcher

What make us different

Mission

Our vision is to foster peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies by strengthening dialogue, mediation, and conflict prevention practices across communities and institutions. We aspire to be a trusted regional centre that promotes sustainable peace, social cohesion, and constructive engagement in addressing complex conflicts.

Vision

Our Institutional Objectives

Our objectives are focused on strengthening mediation capacity, advancing professional standards, and promoting effective dispute resolution practices at institutional and community levels.

Mediation Training

Delivering professional mediation and conflict resolution training through open enrolment and customized programs.

Mediation Certification

Assessing and certifying mediators who meet established competency and ethical standards.

Mediation Services

Providing impartial and accessible mediation services through established mediation centres.

Research & Development

Supporting and conducting research in mediation, peacebuilding, and conflict management.

Public Awareness

Promoting awareness of mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Strategic Partnerships

Building and sustaining national and international institutional relationships.

Online Mediation

Facilitating secure and accessible online mediation and virtual dispute resolution services.

Capacity Building

Strengthening institutional capacity through training, guidance, and mediation support systems.

We inspire and help them live better

Empowering Lives Through Compassion

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Hope for Every Heart

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Together for Change

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Building a Brighter Tomorrow

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Meet Our Volunteers

Bobbie Ferry

Lead Volunteer

Lillie Braun

Lead Volunteer

Sherry Miller

Lead Volunteer

Virgil Hauck

Lead Volunteer

Luther Heathcote

Lead Volunteer

Ethel Heathcote

Lead Volunteer

Dennis Green

Lead Volunteer

Vera Huels

Lead Volunteer

Our core beliefs

Compassion in Action

We believe that compassion is a force capable of transcending boundaries and transforming lives.

By translating empathy into tangible actions, we strive to alleviate suffering and bring hope to those facing adversity.

Empowering Communities

Our mission is rooted in the empowerment of communities.

We work towards creating opportunities for education, health, and sustainable livelihoods, recognizing that empowered communities are the architects of their own progress.

Equality and Inclusion

We champion the principles of equality and inclusion.

Our mission is to dismantle barriers and create a world where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for a dignified life.

Trusted partners

Working Together For Sustainable Peace

We collaborate with communities, institutions, and partners to advance dialogue, mediation, and inclusive peacebuilding across East Africa.

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