Youth & Peacebuilding Initiatives Training Course

Introduction

In an increasingly dynamic and conflict-affected global landscape, mastering Youth & Peacebuilding Initiatives is absolutely critical for peace practitioners, development professionals, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to meaningfully engage young people as agents of positive change and prevent cycles of violence. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip peacebuilders, humanitarian workers, youth development specialists, government officials, international organization staff, and civil society advocates with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for analyzing youth dynamics in conflict, designing inclusive youth-led peace programs, and fostering youth participation in peace processes. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse roles youth play in conflict and peace (as both victims and actors), the principles of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda (UNSCR 2250 and subsequent resolutions), the challenges of youth marginalization, and the strategic implications of youth engagement for sustainable peace and security. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, current international best practices from youth-led initiatives, and real-world case studies pertinent to complex peacebuilding challenges, empowering you to effectively support and scale impactful youth contributions to peace.

This youth development and conflict transformation course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond tokenistic engagement towards a proactive, empowering approach to recognizing and harnessing the immense potential of young people in building durable peace. Mastering youth-sensitive conflict analysis, implementing effective strategies for youth participation in peace processes, and understanding strategies for empowering marginalized youth are indispensable for preventing violent extremism, fostering social cohesion, promoting inclusive governance, and creating resilient communities. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic youth engagement and intergenerational peacebuilding, positioning your organization at the forefront of global efforts to empower young peacebuilders and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced community resilience, improved intergenerational dialogue, and more effective and sustainable peace outcomes.

Target Audience

• Peacebuilding Practitioners & NGO Staff
• Youth Development & Empowerment Specialists
• International Organization Staff (UN, regional bodies, youth-focused agencies)
• Government Officials (Youth Affairs, Education, Foreign Affairs)
• Humanitarian Aid Workers & Community Mobilizers
• Educators & Social Workers working with youth
• Researchers & Academics in Peace & Youth Studies

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of youth, peace, and their interconnectedness in peacebuilding initiatives.
• Learn about the diverse roles and experiences of youth in conflict and post-conflict settings.
• Master the principles and pillars of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda (UNSCR 2250, 2419, 2535).
• Develop proficiency in conducting youth-sensitive conflict analysis and needs assessments.
• Explore best practices for designing and implementing youth-led and youth-inclusive peace programs.
• Understand the critical aspects of meaningful youth participation in formal and informal peace processes.
• Learn about robust strategies for empowering marginalized and vulnerable youth as peace actors.
• Identify the critical role of education, livelihoods, and psychosocial support in youth peacebuilding.
• Develop skills in advocating for youth priorities within national and international policy discussions.
• Understand the nexus between youth, violent extremism, climate change, and other global security challenges.
• Explore strategies for fostering intergenerational dialogue and partnerships for peace.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive, youth-responsive peacebuilding initiatives.
• Position yourself as a leader in supporting and scaling impactful youth contributions to sustainable peace.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Introduction to Youth & Peacebuilding

• Defining youth: diverse age ranges and social constructs
• Youth as a demographic: global trends and opportunities
• The dual narrative: youth as perpetrators and victims vs. agents of peace
• The imperative for youth engagement in peace processes
• Youth leadership and innovation in peacebuilding

Module 2. The Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda

• Origins and evolution of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and subsequent resolutions
• The five pillars of YPS: participation, protection, prevention, disengagement and reintegration, partnership
• National Action Plans on YPS: development and implementation challenges
• Accountability mechanisms for YPS commitments
• Case studies of YPS implementation at local, national, and international levels

Module 3. Youth-Sensitive Conflict Analysis & Prevention

• Conducting conflict analysis with a youth lens: understanding youth grievances and aspirations
• Identifying drivers of youth involvement in violence and factors for resilience
• The impact of unemployment, marginalization, and political exclusion on youth
• Early warning systems and youth-led initiatives for conflict prevention
• Engaging youth in addressing hate speech and misinformation

Module 4. Meaningful Youth Participation in Peace Processes

• Barriers to youth inclusion in formal peace negotiations and mediation
• Strategies for creating safe and inclusive spaces for youth participation
• Youth advocacy and consultation mechanisms in peacebuilding
• The role of youth networks and organizations in shaping peace agendas
• Examples of youth-led peace initiatives and their impact

Module 5. Youth Empowerment & Resilience Building

• Livelihoods, education, and vocational training for peacebuilding outcomes
• Psychosocial support and trauma healing for youth affected by conflict
• Developing youth leadership skills and capacities for peace advocacy
• Mentorship programs and intergenerational dialogue for youth empowerment
• Fostering youth resilience against violent extremism and recruitment

Module 6. Youth in Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration (DDR) & SSR

• Addressing the specific needs of youth ex-combatants in DDR programs
• Youth participation in small arms and light weapons (SALW) reduction
• Integrating youth into security sector reform (SSR) initiatives
• The role of youth in community violence reduction
• Gendered approaches to youth and security

Module 7. Funding, Partnerships & Future of Youth Peacebuilding

• Resource mobilization and sustainable funding for youth-led peace initiatives
• Building effective partnerships among youth organizations, governments, and international bodies
• Leveraging technology and innovation for youth peacebuilding
• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning in youth peacebuilding programs
• Future trends and challenges for youth engagement in peace and security

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.