History and Development
Children/Youth as Peacebuilders began in 2000. In the early years we functioned as a project administrated through Defence for Children International-Canada. DCI- Canada, with its mandate to support children’s rights, was pleased to act as the NGO home for CAP, a role it maintained until Children/Youth as Peacebuilders became registered as an international, charitable organization in 2005.
Getting Started: CAP’s first project was the coordination of the international youth delegation for the Winnipeg International Conference on War Affected Children (September 2000). Twenty-five youth representatives from 16 countries joined the civil society and government delegates from over 130 countries. Adult participants at this conference repeatedly stated how much they appreciated the energy, views and commitment of the youth delegates.
First Project: Following the Winnipeg meetings, CAP embarked on a participatory, action research program with war affected young people in six countries. Its objectives were framed by four questions: 1) How do young people living inside conflict situations experience and understand their situation? 2) What are the similarities and differences between male and females experiences of war? 3) In what ways can children and youth effectively contribute their talents and energies to peacebuilding work? and 4) What kind of support can adults provide?
First Project: People and Countries: Countries chosen for this work included Angola, Bosnia, Burma-Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia and Uganda. This provided young participants from a wide spectrum of experiences and conflict situations. Organizations included large international agencies (CARE in Bosnia and World Vision in Uganda); national organizations (Taller de Vida in Colombia and Development Workshop in Angola) and youth-only groups (Burma-Thailand refugee committee in Thailand and CAMP in Cambodia).
First Project: Methods of Work: Using a variety of art and popular education techniques young people took part in a process of inquiry and reflection to define their lives as witnesses, victims and actors in today’s conflicts. The results formed the basis for youth-led community peacebuilding and human rights projects. This work was reinforced by a learning circle approach where representatives (adults and youth) from the six countries attended week-long seminars every six months to reflect on their work. Each group had the opportunity to host a meeting, allowing local participation and a richer understanding of each country.
This program, which concluded in late 2002, was the basis for two publications. A Kind of Friendship: Working with and for war affected children and youth, focused on information for NGOs. Youth as Peacebuilders provided a critical overview of young people’s participation in peacebuilding work as well as examples of projects. CIDA printed and distributed large numbers of A Kind of Friendship.
Both publications were translated into French and Spanish. English copies are available in the Resources Section of this website.
Next Steps: At the end of the first project, both youth and adult participants wanted to continue the direction being charted by CAP, saying that it was unique in its commitment to youth participation and collaboration between young people and adults; its emphasis on the value of art/cultural techniques and its structure connecting community, regional and international perspectives and knowledge. In early 2003 we agreed to begin the process to create an international network/federation.
Creating A Network: The past three years have seen a
steady evolution in CAP’s development. The community programs and projects have continued with growth in effectiveness and scope. A regional structure was established to facilitate capacity building and the fostering of exchanges amongst countries with common elements in their history and cultures. New groups have been added from the Philippines, Guatemala and initial discussions have begun with organizations in Burundi, Sudan and El Salvador.
As CAP’s presence and credibility has increased, there have been new possibilities for policy and advocacy work. This is important as the realization of CAP’s role as a niche organization depends not only on the quality of our work but also on the opportunities to demonstrate this value to others.
The transition to organization status has required a formalization of operations and governance procedures. Early in this work we created a set of core values to guide us and to provide a sense of cohesion inside the CAP federation. CAP membership is through local organizations. All CAP members are expected to abide by these principles. The roles for CAP’s community, regional and international components have been confirmed, with the recognition that these will evolve.
In CAP we emphasize the difference between being
victimized and being a victim. Many young people have had terrible experiences. But we are working for the possibility of a different future and believe this is possible if we combine our energies for hope and change.
At a workshop in Colombia, youth were speculating about the value of continuing to work for change when the odds against success were so formidable. Carlos, whose brother was killed by the paramilitary, replied:
“Yes it is difficult because I loved my older brother. And also about how my fingers were cut. No one is going to feel happy about that. But I want people to understand what we must do to get over these obstacles, not to drown in the sorrow of it. I have to represent the dreams of my brother and others who have died.”
We are pleased that former Senator Landon Pearson and Lieutenant General Roméo A. Dallaire, Senator, have agreed to act as special advisors for CAP.
Landon Pearson is well known throughout the world for her gentle humility and passionate dedication to young people and the realization of their rights. Lt.-Gen. The Hon. Roméo Dallaire (Ret.), internationally recognized for his courage and compassion and as an outspoken leader for the 21st century. He has directed his considerable energies to support war affected young people. Both have received numerous national and international awards for their work. Both share a commitment to partnerships between young people and adults. As CAP continues, we hope to involve other adults with the stature and vision of these two wonderful people.
CAP is continuing to grow and develop. In the next few years CAP programs will continue to provide support for youth projects, based on priorities identified at the community level. As well CAP hopes to expand its involvement in international policy and programming work, particularly on reconciliation issues and gender roles.
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