Youth peace-building responds to inter-communal conflict

Peace-building programmes for young people are being pioneered to transform social relationships in countries and regions suffering long-standing conflict such as Northern Ireland, Cyprus, the Middle East, the Balkans, India and Pakistan: young people go to a neutral country where they are free from the pressures of conflict and violence.

In the relaxed atmosphere of a retreat setting young people can mix with and build new relationships with other young people from ethnic or national groups they see as ‘enemies’. Through dialogue the transformations in these young people can be profound and provide hope for the future: stereotypes fall away and strong friendships are established.

The School for International Training (SIT) in Vermont in the USA hosts over 100 teenagers in youth peace-building and leadership programmes each summer. Participants have included Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Catholics and Protestants from Northern Ireland, Arabs and Jews from Israel, and young people from Muslim and non-Muslim backgrounds. Programmes include skills training, dialogue sessions, outdoor teambuilding activities, social and recreational activities and simply living together.

Through role play and information sessions participants develop leadership skills for social action, intercultural dialogue, group decision-making and conflict transformation. Participants are challenged to heighten their skills of observation, reflection, critical analysis, and problem solving. They discuss issues of common concern and build supportive relationships. Workshops emphasise knowledge, awareness of gender issues and communication skills. Other issues facing teenagers such as drug abuse or AIDS, are also addressed in educational sessions.

Participants alter their perception of each other, discover similarities, and share this new awareness with friends in their own communities. In a recent survey, Cypriot participants were asked what they felt about the course: ‘I have become more open-minded and my negative image about Turkish-Cypriots has faded away. I have also tried to convince others that we can live together in peace.’ And: ‘It allowed me to have a more positive outlook on the problem. I realised that we can live together and we have so many things in common.’

Most participants reported that the camp helped them feel hopeful about the future even when the political situation was negative: 'We will be the next generation, the next politicians. We want peace. We know we can change everything. So, even though the political situation is negative, I will not lose my hopes!’

Over half of graduates reported that they took part in activities across the two communities after the camp. These included performing arts activities, weekend workshops and presentations in schools: 'At the camp, we talked and discussed about our history. We learned many things that we didn't know and when we tried to find a solution we were successful. So I believe that we are the seeds of peace and we want peace. Where there is a will, there is a way.’

Students develop strategies for working toward peace, understanding and social justice when they return home. They often stay in touch and attend programme reunions. Some have gone on to organise educational projects, dialogue workshops among schoolmates and even political activities. Having developed feelings of connection, skills for coping, and motivation for collaboration through activities between their two communities, these young people are taking an active role in the creation of a peaceful future for their country.

John Ungerleider
The School for International Training
Kipling Road, P.O. Box 676
Brattleboro
Vermont 05302-0676
USA
T +1 802 257 7751
F +1 802 258 3248
John.Ungerleider@sit.edu
www.sit.edu/youth

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