our Impact / themes

Places of Learning

Fostering supporting learning communities compounds our impact over time.

Lokahi works towards sustainable diverse communities by fostering supportive communities of learning. We conduct innovative research in religion, theology and philosophy as a foundation for our work.

By taking learning outside formal contexts, Lokahi enables all members of society to access the knowledge and skills they need to encourage people to find deeper shared values and mutual understanding and respect. The research we have conducted for a number of partners has come from real world needs.

Bridging Communities

We delve deep to understand the fault-lines that exist within communities – and heal them.

Lokahi’s work delves deep into the nuances of a multicultural society and conducts research into community relations to gain insight into the sources and solutions to community conflicts.

We engage directly, with sensitivity, tact and understanding, with difficult and uncomfortable topics like extremism, community cohesion, multiculturalism, integration and hate crimes. Our aim is to overcome the gaps in understanding within communities experiencing tensions or plagued by prejudice.

Lokahi acts as a bridge between groups and communities and encourages a shared understanding and vision of a safer, more stable society. Greater tolerance, empathy and acceptance can reduce the tension and bring about lasting social change. It is our goal to reach new areas that are neglected or that lack effective solutions. By drawing on our bank of intellectual and social capital Lokahi can adapt sensitively to local needs and cultures and help overcome community impasses.

Healing the Violence

Minimising hurt, preventing anger and ultimately healing the violence within a religious context

Lokahi’s work is ultimately focused on improving the way people, as individuals, then as communities, deal with diversity. But we also seek to reduce hurt, prevent anger and heal the wounds that arise in diverse societies.

We seek to understand the ways religious beliefs, themes, imagery and language are used to justify conflict and violence so that we can heal this type of trauma. We research the causes, vulnerabilities as well as attempted solutions and interventions.

By investigating cases where religious material and motivation is used for good and evil, we aim to counteract or transform conflict situations and support vulnerable or abused individuals.

Developing and evaluating techniques in partnership with practitioners, we aspire to reduce the chance that religion is to do harm.