In Partnership with the EU, the Danish Red Cross and the IFRC: PRCS Organizes a Refresher Training for Peer Educators on “Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change

Gaza - 16/2/2016: PRCS held at its headquarters in Gaza City a “Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change (YABC)” peer educator refresher training, during which young volunteers participating in the YABC Project in the Gaza Strip exchanged experiences and views. Held from 9 to 15 February in cooperation with the Danish Red Cross (DRC) and the IFRC, and funded by both the EU and the DRC, the course strengthened trainees capacities to act as effective peer educators and ethical leaders to promote a culture of non-violence and peace amongst young Palestinians.

 It also provided them with relevant skills, built their capacities in the fields of conflict resolution and inner peace, got them better acquainted with activities under this project, and helped them draft action plans to be implemented in local communities in Gaza. Nineteen volunteers from the five PRCS’ branches in the Gaza Strip took part in this refresher training, which was facilitated by trainers from PRCS and IFRC.

 The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from PRCS/Gaza Strip, IFRC Geneva and DRC, the Coordinator for Youth Programs in the Gaza Strip and YABC peer educators.

 In her opening speech, Yasmine Refaat, DRC Delegate, said: “This two-year project aims at building the capacities of Palestinian youth in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Diaspora, as well as at enhancing their skills in the fields of conflict resolution and non-violence. I would like to thank all those in charge of this project, especially PRCS’ Youth Department, for working together as one team”. She also commended the EU for promoting projects targeting young people and focusing on the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Participants received 60 hours of training over this 7-day training course. Topics covered thematic issues related to a culture of non-violence and peace (such as gender and intercultural dialogue) and the development of skills (such as active listening, empathy, critical thinking, non-judgement, inner peace and non-violent communication) to role model the Fundamental Principles as ethical leaders and inspire a change of mentalities, attitudes and behaviours in their communities with a view to embracing non-discrimination, diversity and social inclusion.

In her speech, Reema Chopra, Acting YABC Global Coordinator & Trainer based in IFRC Geneva, said she was extremely honored to meet and support the Gaza Strip youth and volunteers, who represent for her the very heart of the RCRC Movement. She thanked project officers for giving her this great opportunity and hoped that this training will empower the youth to implement project activities across all the Gaza strip in order to promote our Fundamental Principles and shared humanitarian values, and above all, empower them to be the change they want to see in the world. “I have seen great cooperation amongst PRCS volunteers during the training. We all shared our experiences, feelings and reflections at a level of deep trust and equality. I have total faith in their capacities and skills to make an effective and lasting positive change in their communities, and it is my strong conviction that they will be a source of inspiration and hope, as well as role models not only for Gaza or Palestine, but for the entire world”, she said.

For further information, please visit the following websites: 

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/index_en.htm

http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/principles-and-values/youth-as-agents-of-behavioural-change-yabc/