DARE to Connect aims to reconnect couples whose relationships have been plagued by discord, neglect, and sometimes violence. DARE uses a form of Acceptance and Commitment Training that can be provided by practitioners that are not trained as psychotherapists. This form of ACT helps couples bring compassion and connection into their homes, thereby benefitting their entire families.
THE STORY OF OUR PROJECT
A new way of relating
In 2015, following the Ebola crisis, our staff reported a significant increase in violence within families.
Men and women were asking for help and seeking support to rebuild their lives and relationships after this incredibly challenging time.
In an initial workshop in 2015 with couples from Hannah’s village, we introduced ACT tools through role plays. Both women and men responded positively, discovering new ways to resolve conflicts peacefully within their relationships.
This work was further developed by team members who began offering online ACT supervision to local therapists supporting couples living in poverty, many with histories of intimate partner violence.
DARE to Connect began as a research project—funded by the German Schmitz Foundation and Commit and Act Germany—focused on teaching relationship skills to hundreds of couples across different districts.
The project proved highly successful: violence within families decreased from nearly 100% to close to zero and remained at that level. Soon, Paramount Chiefs invited us to expand the program. Participating couples became champions and role models within their communities.
Today, we use a train-the-trainer model to share these essential skills with couples across the region. Participants also asked us to include sustainable livelihood components, as poverty and hunger were major drivers of violence. Since then, couples have developed small-scale agricultural activities, including the production and sale of cassava, peanuts, rice, and vegetables.
One of the most meaningful outcomes is that children are now living with their parents again, as peace has returned to family life. They receive regular meals and are able to attend school.
We deeply value our DARE to Connect programs.
“Commit and Act has helped change the culture of silence which was a big gap in our relationship".
