My name is Talia Smith. I was born in South Africa, a country deeply marked by division. From an early age, I understood what mistrust between communities can do. Seven years ago, I became the Trustbuilding Program Manager at Initiatives of Change International, bringing together my personal history and my passion for reconciliation.

The Trustbuilding Program

draws on IofC’s decades of peacebuilding work and applies it in a strategic, global way. Today we work in 14 countries, always led by local teams on the ground. What sets us apart is our belief that peacebuilding starts from within: we support people to do the “inner work” that makes healing and dialogue possible.

The results are powerful. In Nigeria, deep mistrust between police and communities has shifted through trustbuilding dialogues. One woman told us she now feels empowered to walk into a police station and demand accountability for misconduct. In Indonesia, youth that were vulnerable to radicalisation have become peacebuilders and in Kenya, for the first time, Christians and Muslims are running community initiatives together.

But philanthropy is shrinking. Government cuts and reduced foundation giving mean our local trustbuilding teams depend more than ever on individual generosity. Without it, essential trustbuilding work is at risk.

That is why I am asking for your support. By reaching our goal, we can equip more trustbuilders, sustain dialogues, and continue bridging divides from Burundi to Brazil.

Your gift is not just a donation—it is an act of trust in the possibility of healing. Please, give today and help us build trust where it is needed most.