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Giving Youth a Chance to Become Peace Builders in Conflict-Ridden Countries

11 August 2017

Youth play an important role as agents of change – they are the future of their communities. This year’s International Youth Day is putting a spotlight on the role of youth in the prevention of conflict and in building peace. In countries marked by armed conflict or unrest, young people often comprise the majority.  

According to the Syria Population State Report, in 2014, youth between the ages of 15 and 24 represented 20 per cent of Syria’s population. However, in conflict-ridden countries, where their role as peace builders is most necessary, the impact of conflict poses the greatest challenges for young people in reaching their full potential. The conflict in Syria is coupled with economic disintegration and social fragmentation, leaving youth feeling overwhelmed and insecure about their future. Many have been exposed to armed violence, forced to leave their homes, discontinue their education or been unable to find jobs. 

Providing youth in Syria, particularly Palestine refugees, with opportunities to learn, socialize and get jobs has never been more critical. UNRWA works to provide them with access to counselling, integrated education, recreational activities and career guidance. The Agency’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme provides over 5,000 youth with short- and long-term vocational training courses adapted to market needs. They can also access business and youth development courses, as well as career guidance through the ‘Engaging Youth’ project, which has been running since 2012. Listen to what our students have to say about this support toward maintaining their resilience. 

“Music makes you feel so good and happy,” says Ahmad Baker, a 23-year-old in his fourth year at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering in Damascus. He turned to music to overcome the hardship he faced in the conflict. He and his friend, also named Ahmad, teach music to children who are 6 to 12 years old to provide them with respite from the stress of war. Damascus Training Centre, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad“We are helping children cope with extreme stress and engaging them in activities to nurture their healthy development,” explains Ahmad. “If the energy of young people is directed to constructive purposes, the whole country will enjoy peace.” Damascus Training Centre, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad“Youth have the ability to face many challenges. When we returned to Husseiniyeh, a group of young refugees launched health awareness campaigns," recalls Ahmad. Ahmad is among the 60 per cent of Palestine refugees who have been displaced multiple times. He and his family are among the early ones to return home. Damascus Training Center, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad"Youth should look at themselves and see how they can serve their community,” says Waed, a 20-year-old graphic design graduate. “For me, through my photos, I believe that I can transmit the idea of peace to people.” Damascus Training Centre, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadLike thousands of Palestine refugees, Waed lived under siege for seven months with her mother and sisters in Yarmouk. "My suffering in the camp inspired the topic of my graduation film, which focused on peace,” she explains. “We should work hand in hand to promote harmony and hope, because many people are frustrated and have suffered great losses.” Damascus Training Centre, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad“My dream is to carry out activities for traumatized children to provide them with psychosocial support and help them become active members in their community,” says 23-year-old Nermin. Damascus Training Centre, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadNermin, who studied graphic design at the UNRWA Damascus Training Centre, has a passion for sand art. Her graduation film project featured sand art drawings of the war and the emigration from Syria by sea. Damascus Training Centre, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe ‘Engaging Youth’ project, funded by the European Union, supports Palestinian youth between the ages of 17 and 33. The project bolsters their resilience to help them cope with the impact of the conflict in Syria. Damascus Training Centre, Syria. © 2017 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad

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