I was thrilled to share some exciting news
I was selected as a participant in the “Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), Youth & Interfaith: Research Capacity Building Project.” This initiative, jointly organized by the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith & Local Communities (JLI) and Interfaith Dialogue on Violent Extremism (iDove), aimed at empowering young researchers from around the world to contribute to the critical field of PVE.
About the Project
The PVE, Youth & Interfaith: Research Capacity Building Project took place from September to December 2022. The primary goal of this initiative was to involve local community members, especially young people and faith actors, in decision-making processes regarding the prevention of violent extremism. Often, these key stakeholders were excluded, despite their invaluable insights and experiences on the ground.
To address this gap, JLI, in partnership with iDove, supported 12 young individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop evidence-based research on youth, faith, and PVE. Over several months, we received comprehensive training in research methods, analysis, and communication. This not only enhanced our skills and experience but also boosted our credibility in knowledge production.
My Journey and Experience
Being selected for this project was an incredible journey. Throughout the program, I had the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in my country, focusing on the intersection of youth, faith, and PVE. The support and guidance from JLI and iDove were instrumental in navigating this complex and sensitive topic.
One of the highlights of the project was the chance to publish our research. Additionally, we organized and participated in a global, public webinar to share our experiences and showcase our work. This platform allowed us to reach a wider audience, including policymakers, practitioners, and donors working on PVE, conflict, and peacebuilding.
Key Learnings and Reflections
The project emphasized the importance of inclusive and collaborative approaches in preventing violent extremism. By involving young people and faith actors, we ensured that PVE initiatives were more effective and sustainable. Our collective research highlighted the need for social cohesion, justice, and peace, while also addressing potential risks and harms to communities.
Challenges Faced
Working on such a sensitive topic as interfaith dialogue in the conservative society of Pakistan posed several challenges. There were cultural and societal barriers that made conducting research difficult. Additionally, finding participants who were willing to openly discuss these issues required building trust and ensuring confidentiality. Despite these hurdles, the project provided invaluable insights and underscored the importance of addressing these challenges to create a more inclusive and peaceful society.
The final webinar in December 2022 was a fitting conclusion to this enriching experience. We presented our research findings, shared challenges and successes, and reflected on the lessons learned. You could watch the online event on YouTube here to learn more about the challenges we faced.
Moving Forward
As I continue my journey in this field, I am committed to applying the knowledge and skills gained from this project to contribute to meaningful change. I am grateful to JLI, iDove, and all the participants for this incredible opportunity. Together, we can build a more just and peaceful world.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from my research on AliRazaKhan.com.
Read more on Joint Learning Initiative on Faith & Local Communities (JLI)
website here
https://jliflc.com/pve-youth-interfaith-project
or Twitter X account here
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