Arigatou International’s End Child Poverty and the Global Network of Religions for Children collaborated with Norwegian Church Aid and ICCO Cooperation in hosting a Regional Youth Forum on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Violent Extremism is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today. Several factors push and pull youth towards violent extremism. It is important to understand these drivers so as to prevent it.
Forty-five (45) youth representatives and leaders from Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, are taking part in this 3-day forum in Nairobi, Kenya.
The main objectives of the forum include; building awareness regarding violent extremism among youth workers and key youth influencers and sharing relevant experiences, including challenges, opportunities and effective practices in countering violent extremism. The forum also presents an opportunity to recognize and explain the influence of prejudices, perceptions and stereotypes in interfaith relations, and to build capacity of young people to transform conflicts, prevent recruitment towards violent extremism, become agents of change and to develop programmes to counter violent extremism in their respective countries.
Rev. Fred Nyabera, Director, End Child Poverty, concluded the day’s session by applying the conflict tree, showing the root causes, drivers and effects of violent extremism.
Quotes from Key Speakers:
“Africa is a region of great ethnic and religious diversities but often, these diversities are politicized resulting in identity conflicts that have generated massacres, genocides and terror. I appeal to young people to use this resourcefulness to seek for ways to bring peace in our region.” – Ms. Wasye Musyoni
“We must stand together to fight this evil, we must talk with each other and stop the blame game – Our Biggest Partner is God Almighty!” – Shk. Ibrahim Lethome
“Violent extremism counter narratives are powerful resources for influencing target audiences.” – Shk. Ramadhan Aula
Regional Youth Forum on Countering Violent Extremism: Day 1 : 29 August 2016