STRENGTHENING THE CULTURE OF PEACE AND RESILIENCE AMONG 200 CHILDREN AND YOUTHS IN JOS THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT.

The project was implemented in consortium comprising Centre for Peace Advancement in Nigeria, CEPAN, Centre for Community Actions for Peace and Development, CCAPAD, Community Aid Workers Initiatives, CAWI and Gangare Youth Forum, GYF in four target communities of Bauchi road, Anguwan Rukuba, Anguwan Jarawa and Naraguta of Jos North, Plateau State under the agents for citizen-driven transformation (ACT) programme funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council.

Project Overview:

This is a Peace Building intervention aimed at challenging and changing the narratives of vulnerable teenagers and youths to crime, violence and other social vices in four selected conflict flash points communities in Jos and providing them with the healthy alternatives of resilience, self-esteem, peace and other human virtues for development, peaceful and harmonious coexistence. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to design a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of the problem and provides sustainable solutions.

Through this project, we have been able to promote Inter-Group, Inter-ethnic and Inter-religious Interaction and dialogue among Children and Youth in four Flash Point Communities in Jos North Local Government for Improved Security, Peaceful Coexistence and Harmony.

Key Features:

Community Engagement: We firmly believe in the power of community involvement and collaboration. Through this project, we actively engaged community members and Community Development Associations, (CDAs) in the planning, decision-making, and implementation processes. By involving local stakeholders, we ensure that our efforts are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the communities.

Capacity Building: CCAPAD recognize the importance of equipping youths and children with the necessary skills and knowledge to address challenges effectively. Our project incorporates targeted capacity-building initiatives that provide training, and skills acquisition training to empower the youths and children who are active members of the community. By nurturing local talents, we aim to foster long-term sustainability and self-reliance.

Collaboration and Partnerships: We understand that collaboration is key to achieving sustainable impact. CCAPAD actively seek partnerships with Community Development Associations, governmental bodies, and like-minded NGOs to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. Together, we can create a synergistic effect and amplify our collective impact.

Monitoring and Evaluation: To ensure transparency and accountability, CCAPAD has established a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms enabled us to measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and adapted our strategies accordingly. By constantly learning and refining our approach, we maximize the project’s effectiveness.

Key Impact:

Our project has already made a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Here are some key impact areas:

Some of the direct project beneficiaries who have been identified to abuse drugs now shun drug and substance abuse and are contributing immensely in their community peace, security and development which is attested to the Counselling and Drug therapies sessions conduct in the communities.  

The project targeted 200 youth and children (age range; 10 – 14, 15 -35) who are vulnerable and are at risk of the influence of drug/ substance abuse and therefore can easily be manipulated to perpetrate violence and other crimes. The youths and children were actively involved in the implementation process of the project and are now able to engage their peers and other community members on peace, security, stability and development.

60 youth comprising of males, females and PLWDs from the target communities are trained in various skills (ranging from, hair dressing, tilling, mechanized pop corn production, perishable goods business, Akamu and akara production) and were empowered with start-up packs to start up their individual businesses. Together, we can create a lasting impact and transform communities. Join us in our mission to empower individuals, promote sustainability, and foster positive change. Together, we can build a brighter future