Overview
Responding to the needs and aspirations of youth in areas affected by conflict presents numerous challenges, along with some unique opportunities. Re-engaging youth in positive development opportunities is a key step in the stabilization of conflict-impacted communities, and long-term peace and development is often predicated upon the preparation of these youth (some involved in conflict, others affected by conflict) for positive roles in the worlds of work, family, and community life.
Our Approach
Developing effective programs for conflict-affected youth requires targeted assessment and appraisal work in order to understand their existing developmental assets, identify key gaps in their basic education and livelihood development skills, and ensure buy-in among more marginalized cohorts of youth. EQUIP3 has worked with USAID Missions in a number of conflict-affected countries to jointly carry out such work, and this has informed the latter development of a number of innovative and responsive programs.
EQUIP3 has learned through direct programming experience, case studies and assessments in conflict areas, and an extensive literature review, that the core theme of work with conflict-affected youth is engagement. Engaging with youth is key to understanding them, their needs, and the opportunities to address those needs. This often involves moving past the perception of youth in conflict areas as being a dangerous or high-risk population. The reality is more complex. Part of this reality is that in conflict environments, there are youth who act in nonviolent ways to improve their communities.
Also, regardless of the environment, youth and their families still must provide for their basic needs, and most youth and their families seek opportunities beyond survival. They seek ways to improve their outcomes for a better future. Therefore, livelihood development programs can contribute to sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas. Work in fragile states requires commitment to look for the programming "anchors" that can build areas of stability. Often, those opportunities can be found with youth.
Projects
Youth, Microfinance, and Conflict: EQUIP3 has engaged in research to better understand the appropriate use of microfinance-driven programming (including savings, credit, and business development services) for youth populations in post-conflict environments.
Illustrative projects EQUIP3 has or currently is running in conflict or post-conflict zones include:
EQUIP3’s Haitian Out-of-School Youth Livelihood Initiative (IDEJEN) provides nonformal basic education and livelihood training for out-of-school youth ages 15-24. IDEJEN integrates the teaching of literacy and numeracy with life/employability skills, HIV/AIDS awareness, and vocational training.
EQUIP3’s Ruwwad Project in the West Bank and Gaza empowers Palestinian youth and the adults who serve them, so that both of these groups can become strong local leaders and change-makers.
EQUIP3’s Literacy and Community Empowerment (LCEP) Project in Afghanistan provided practical literacy skills for rural, marginalized youth within the context of broader civic and livelihood development.
EQUIP3’s Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) Project in the Philippines works to improve access to quality education and livelihood skills for youth in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.
EQUIP3's Garissa (G-Youth)Project in Kenya is designed to respond to Garissan youth’s needs and assets. The G-Youth Project will offer youth a series of inter-connected interventions to: build skills, facilitate appropriate career choices, provide employment and/or income generating information, bridge technical and university education opportunities and provide fun and safe spaces.
Publications
Youth in Conflict: A Brief Review of Available Literature: This literature review highlights some of the challenges facing policy makers, funders, and direct practitioners, and it signals a number of key factors for success in addressing the needs of this group.
Other Resources
Youth in Conflict Toolkit produced by USAID
Youth: Care and Protection in Emergencies, a Field Guide
