Think Creative Spring 2024

Dispatches

updates from around our world

Fulbe and non-Fulbe youth have fostered stronger networks and relationships, reducing suspicions and misunderstandings.

ever, community members said the program should be expanded to more participants and regions to bolster its impact. The program has also improved youths’ under standing of the violent extremism threat and their role in addressing it, leading to increased awareness and engagement in community-lev el conflict management. Youths have become respected leaders within their communities, fostering a sense of empowerment, belonging and pride. “Security forces and politicians in coastal West Africa perceive youth, particularly those from minority groups like the Fulbe, as a security threat,” said Olivier Girard, LRI Chief of Party. “We want to change this narrative and make youth a part of the solution and not the prob lem. We do this by building their leadership, conflict resolution, and advocacy skills and supporting them as they engage with deci sion-makers, solve problems, and bring about positive changes in their community.” Data collected in the study suggests that com munity conflicts — whether they be domestic, school-related, interethnic or interreligious — are decreasing in communities reached by LRI. Respondents said that addressing the stigmatization faced by Fulbe communities and promoting education among Fulbe children are crucial for long-term change. Triangulating conflict data, providing misinformation train ing and involving parents and security forces can further strengthen the program’s impact, the study found. By identifying the activities, factors and contexts that produced the most catalytic outcomes in strengthening youth networks and building youth capacity and capabilities, the Youth Case Study will help LRI refine its youth engagement strategy in the near future . n

West Africa // Littorals Regional Initiative (LRI) LRI Youth Case Study

In Benin, Ghana and Togo, groups of ethnic Fulbe youth gathered to face the stereotypes that have created social divisions within their community and with other communities. As they came together at youth camps, a sense of unity began to blossom. Through their participation in youth en gagement activities under the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives’ Littorals Regional Initiative, these young individuals helped chip away at barriers that had persisted for generations. These barriers make communities and individuals more vulnerable to the threat of violent extremism spilling over into coastal West Africa. The program emphasizes strengthening youth networks and capacities in order to help them take ownership of their challenges and play an active role in their community. To take stock of its impact, USAID/OTI and Creative staff jointly conducted a Youth Case Study. Using data from the three countries gathered in 27 interviews and six focus group discussions involving 61 youths, the study demonstrated

successes and room for improvement across the program. Learning lessons for the future The Littorals Regional Initiative has led to significant positive outcomes in the targeted communities, the report found. Fulbe and non Fulbe youth have fostered stronger networks and relationships, reducing suspicions and misunderstandings. Youth in Ghana report feeling a greater sense of unity and connection, while in Togo, they have gained recognition and influence in decision-making processes. How

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We want to change the narrative and make youth a part of the solution and not the problem.” - Olivier Girard, LRI Chief of Party

Photo by Erick Gibson

10 | Think Creative | Spring 2024