Youth and Conflict
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Mercy Corps believes youth are a force for positive change — the generation that can help transition their countries into productive and secure nations. However, youth are the primary participants in conflict today. The reasons they participate in conflict are multi-dimensional — they lack economic opportunities, political voice and a sense of belonging or connection to their communities. Often the only way young people can imagine changing their predicament is through violence. In Mercy Corps programs, Mercy Corps catalyzes youth's desire for change into positive outlets. This report includes a sample of Youth and Conflict Best Practices and Lessons Learned drawn from Mercy Corps' programs, other agencies, donors, think tanks and researchers. The Best Practices and Lessons Learned are divided into six sections:
- General Program Design and Implementation. This section includes advice on training, as it is a central part of many of our youth programs.
- Economic Engagement
- Political Participation
- Youth-to-Community Connections
- Youth-to-Youth Connections
- Addendum: Lessons from Our Colleagues