Building Bridges for Peace:
With support from the Knowledge Management Security and Rule of Law through the Knowledge Management Fund, YIAVHA is currently undertaking the “Building Bridges for Peace: Learning from Community Participatory Action Research to Promote Socio-Economic Integration and Cohesion in Farmers/Herders Conflict” research project. Initiated in 2023 and continuing through 2024, the project aims to foster peace and sustainable coexistence between Farmers and Herders groups. It seeks to understand the root causes of conflict and implement practical strategies for resolution using a collective impact approach, employing the Systems Thinking Analysis (STA) model. It Operates in 8 communities within the Riyom LGA of Plateau state. Key deliverables are the establishment of joint farming cooperatives between farmers and herders, systems thinking analysis report and, disseminating findings on the impact of implemented initiatives on socio-economic integration and peace building.
The Unarmed civilian protection through collective impact: Presently underway, the research project titled “Learning from the Jos Stakeholders Centre for Peace (JSCP) for Enhanced Civilian Protection in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria” explores innovative approaches to civilian protection. As part of this initiative, YIAVHA, in collaboration with King’s College London, has produced a compelling video documentary. This project receives support from Network Plus Creating Safer Space and is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), as well as the King’s College School of Security Studies Impact Funds.
Election Violence Monitoring and Mitigation:This is an election project, funded by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with support from IRI and NED. This 3-month subgranted intervention, conducted in 2023 across all 17 LGAs of Plateau State, aimed to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with the 2023 elections while mobilizing citizens for active participation. Through targeted media engagements, the project sought to address emerging security threats and foster citizen engagement. Key activities included one-on-one advocacy with target allies, the establishment and operationalization of state peace and mediation working committees, media utilization (including digital engagement and radio programs), pre-election press conferences, radio jingles, and election monitoring activities
PVE Extra: This is a GiZ-iDOVE Preventing/Countering Violence extremism project aimed at fostering youth collective action to defend pluralism and promote non-violent political participation in communities across the Plateau North Senatorial Zone, Nigeria. Operating in 24 religiously segregated communities spanning Jos South, Jos North, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi local governments of Plateau state,. The Project was able to inspire the planting of 120 commitment trees, organization of 24 intergenerational storytelling sessions, conducted digital storytelling initiatives, and facilitated two-day capacity-building sessions in each of the four local governments. The project significantly contributed to building the resilience of young people against the factors that render them vulnerable to extremist recruitment. As expressed by one participant, “for me I thought my next visit to this community would be for revenge, but I feel deep relief that I am visiting this community on a peace note. I am happy for the new me and the opportunity to heal rather than to revenge” (Timz)”
PLURALITI Project: This is a Preventing/Countering Violence extremism project, implemented with support from the KAICIID Dialogue Centre in 2019, this project aimed to promote local understanding of interfaith harmony, religious inclusivity, and learning within tertiary institutions. Targeting 10 religiously segregated communities surrounding the University of Jos in Plateau State, the project facilitated various key activities. These included intergenerational story-telling sessions, capacity-building workshops, digital storytelling initiatives, and the establishment of the Youth Interfaith Relations Network. In collaboration with the Jos Stakeholders Centre for Peace, the Student Union Government of the University of Jos, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations of Nigeria, and the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the project successfully reached a total of 715 individuals, with 526 males and 189 females. As expressed by a participant “we have been part of the crisis in Jos where our communities donated money to buy gin and weed so that we could fight those we saw as enemies, we burnt houses of our friends who are not able to build them back, these houses are sold to politicians, I wish I could meet each of those whose houses we destroyed to say I am sorry.” (Name withheld)
ThrowBackThursday4Peace: In 2020, inspired by their experiences with the Jos violent conflicts, young individuals took to social media to advocate messages of hope, reflecting on past peaceful coexistence and envisioning a brighter future. Through the hashtag #ThrowbackThursday4peace, participants from various projects have embraced this initiative, sharing their stories and aspirations. Over 10 such narratives have been circulated, amplifying voices of resilience and unity amidst adversity.
The Be A Valid Voter Project:Our project aimed to promote nonviolent participatory electoral processes, making significant contributions to the peaceful conduct of the 2019 general elections in Plateau State, Nigeria. By mobilizing young people and working to reduce invalid voting, we implemented the project under four thematic strategies. With support from Search for Common Ground, the Peace Initiative Network, and individual contributors, we engaged directly with over 4000 individuals across 20 secondary schools in Jos North and South local governments. Our efforts focused on educating secondary school students about the dangers of underage voting and the impact of violent behavior during elections, emphasizing the importance of peaceful transitions for good governance. Additionally, we facilitated Youth Dialogues in three local governments and leveraged social media mobilization through the production of 44 postcards featuring quotes from influential community members advocating for peaceful conduct and transparent elections. Furthermore, we distributed 5000 posters, stickers, and flyers in strategic locations across Bauchi, Kano, and primarily Plateau states of Nigeria, disseminating messages about actions that validate or invalidate voting. Our radio advocacy initiatives by young people further amplified our message.
Rights for Peace (R4P): YIAVHA spearheaded a project funded by Pharos Obersavatory France, JDPC Jos, and IMC Kaduna, aimed at safeguarding the rights of victims affected by violent conflicts between Farmers and Herders in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs, regardless of their religion, culture, or ethnicity. Implemented from 2017 to 2018, the project targeted 8 secondary schools and 8 communities in Plateau State, Nigeria. Key activities included peace education initiatives, establishment of peace clubs, youth inter-community dialogues, trauma awareness and resilience training, and a youth peace camp and radio program. Directly impacting 770 individuals (495 males and 275 females), the project provided a platform for dialogue among farmers and herders, particularly focusing on engaging young people. Additionally, it raised awareness about trauma and human rights issues, offering support mechanisms for affected community members.
Enhancing the capacity of activists: With support from Rhize through the Rhize Fellowship program, YIAVHA facilitated the First Exposure training for 120 activists in Jos. The capacity of young people was enhanced to strengthen the quality and quantity of civic engagements. Participants were selected from four youth movements including the Berom Youth Molders Association, Za’ang Branch, Jenta Adamu Central Youth Council, Jos Stakeholders Centre for Peace, and the Plateau Youth G17 Peace and Progressive Capacity Forum.
and Herders in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs, regardless of their religion, culture, or ethnicity. Implemented from 2017 to 2018, the project targeted 8 secondary schools and 8 communities in Plateau State, Nigeria. Key activities included peace education initiatives, establishment of peace clubs, youth inter-community dialogues, trauma awareness and resilience training, and a youth peace camp and radio program. Directly impacting 770 individuals (495 males and 275 females), the project provided a platform for dialogue among farmers and herders, particularly focusing on engaging young people. Additionally, it raised awareness about trauma and human rights issues, offering support mechanisms for affected community members.
Democracy project
In collaboration with the Plateau Youth Council, Riyom Chapter, we organized a dynamic one-day youth sensitization event in Riyom. Focused on combating substance abuse and electoral violence, this event aimed to empower and educate young people on crucial issues affecting our community. Join us in driving positive change and shaping a better future for our youth and society as a whole.
ONE DAY LEADERSHIP TRAINING: Discovering the potential of youth participation in democracy, YIAVHA organized this activity in 2014. This initiative was designed to enhance the leadership skills and capabilities of youth, empowering them to participate actively in elections and advocate for peaceful electoral processes. As a testament to the success of this program, two participants from our event bravely contested in the 2015 elections in Plateau state. Join us as we continue to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders, shaping a brighter future for our community.
Advocacy projects
WOMEN’S MARCH
Experience the power of advocacy and activism by joining our globally renowned “Women’s March” group, organized the only sisters march in Nigeria on January 20 2017. Together, we’re taking a stand against the alarming rise in cases of domestic violence and violence against women & children. Our march to the Plateau House of Assembly raised awareness and draw attention to the injustices faced by these vulnerable groups. By highlighting the connection between personal peace and societal harmony, we called on policymakers to enact meaningful laws that address those prevailing challenges.
NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN
Explore our involvement in the SCEEP project, backed by Action Aid Nigeria, where our organization played a vital role within the youth network. The organization supported the leading advocacy groups for the passage of the Not Too Young To Run Bill at the National Assembly, paving the way for youth participation in governance. Through our advocacy and awareness initiatives, we actively contributed to the success of the age reduction bill, now law since 2018.
Amplifying youth voices through media engagements:The organization collaborates with both state and non-state electronic media stations in Plateau State to provide a platform, free of charge, for young people to discuss issues relevant to youth, with the goal of influencing government policies and public behaviors. This initiative has been ongoing since 2017, particularly on International Youth Day. We extend our gratitude to Peace FM 90.5, Jay FM, Tin City FM, and PRTV for their support in this endeavor.
Library support: The organization provides access to books and other resources at no cost for staff, students, and stakeholders, enabling them to enhance their knowledge and skills around our thematic areas.
Advocacy projects
International day peace: In 2019, we organized a one-day student conference on climate action for peace, in partnership with the National Association of Geography & Planning Students and the Nigeria Sociology and Anthropology Students Association of the University of Jos, among others. Additionally, in 2023, YIAVHA joined hands with various organizations to fund the peace and security coordination network in Plateau State (Plateau Peace Practitioners Network) to commemorate the day through town hall, online dialogue, and peace walk.
International Youth Day: Since its inception, our organization has consistently celebrated this day. In 2022 and 2023, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and five other civil society organizations, we organized a series of activities to commemorate the occasion. These included an awareness walk, press conference, and tree planting event.
Partners, Coalition and networks membership Projects:
YIAVHA actively participates as a member of various local, national, and international platforms aligned with its thematic areas. Here are some of the activities in which the organization has been directly involved:
JSCP: Jos Stakeholders Centre for Peace Network: The organization acts as the secretariat of a multi stakeholders network currently spearheading collective impact initiatives in Jos North. These initiatives focus on addressing the psychosocial needs of young people, preventing substance abuse and cultural violence, and promoting collaboration between communities and security agencies. YIAVHA provides leadership to this network to initiate and sustain interventions.
The “Strengthening Citizens Against Radicalization through Leadership and Reintegration Training in Northern Nigeria” (SCARLIT) project, led by NEEDCIS in collaboration with seven other organizations, focuses on countering radicalization and promoting reintegration in Northern Nigeria.
NIGERIA YOUTH NETWORK ON CVE; The organization spearheaded a collaborative effort with three other organizations as part of the state project implementation team. Together, we’re dedicated to strengthening communities by establishing peace clubs to combat violent extremism ideology. Through targeted radio programming, we amplify the voices of youth and children, promoting peace across Nigeria. Be a part of our initiative to create a safer and more harmonious society for all.