Think Creative - Issue 7

Program in focus A closer look at Creative’s work in action

A group of teachers gathered in this classroom in Segou, Mali, and took their seats for a training. But the workshop was not focused on the typical professional development for educators or the latest teaching techniques. Instead, Abdulai Mohammed was there to talk with his fellow teachers about ways to mitigate violent extremism. In this workshop, teachers discussed how they can be on the front lines of preventing violent extremism by building the resilience of their students. The training was organized through the USAID-funded Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation program, which aims to build trust and social cohesion between conflict-affected communities and their government, and to help communities detect, mitigate and manage conflict. The program works in 46 communes in northern and central Mali, including Segou, where youth are often vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremist organizations. The program fosters community-led action and local ownership of peacebuilding processes and gives educators tools to be a positive force for peace in their schools and communities. n “I love my country. I want peace for my country. I want peace for the world.” Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation program - Abdulai Mohammed, Teacher

Photo by Beyond Borders Media

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