Network for Empowerment in Rural Areas and Townships (NERAT) is based in the Riyom local government area of Plateau State. It is a registered community-based organization (CBO) that empowers local communities in Plateau State by: mobilizing youth for direct participation in environmental activities; organizing empowerment and capacity building workshops and seminars for youth and women; facilitating HIV/AIDS and reproduction health education with support from the Plateau AIDS Control Agency (PLACA); and focusing on peace and conflict transformation, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), and economic empowerment.
Cooperation Circle (CC) members come from Christian, Muslim and Traditional rural dweller backgrounds. They are connected by strong bonds of friendship and occupation, educating and introducing new methods of food and agricultural practice for young farmers and promoting peaceful coexistence.
NERAT is a member of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network—an umbrella network of over 100 peacebuilding organizations in Plateau State. Some of the most recent activities of NERAT include: HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign in Riyom on World AIDS Day in December 2014, Peace Procession and Rally on September 21, 2014, and celebrating UN International Day of Peace.