The Need
The minds and hearts of youth and young adults are often quite malleable to external influences in their environment, both positive and negative. In both the contexts of war, where direct violence is occurring, as well as other conflict settings, where inequality, injustice, and violence enabling narratives may abound, these populations are affected by high levels of stress, including emotional and physical health problems such as aggression, depression, alienation and addiction. It is, therefore, crucial to work with these age groups (16-35) in order to develop responsible, value-based citizens and leaders as well as prevent and provide alternatives to radicalized narratives and destructive behavior towards themselves and others.
Program Description
The PCVE program provides a 16 to 22 hour training offering participants practical tools and life skills to release stress, master their emotions, withstand radicalization and peer pressures thereto, and solve conflicts using nonviolent action. Working at both personal and interpersonal levels, PCVE addresses several different types of change, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and interpersonal outcomes, transforming the attitudes and behaviours of youth and young adults from at-risk to high performing, responsible, confident and empowered populations.
Follow up programming and support, from 3 to 12 months is designed to create long-term, sustainable change.
