Violent extremists beware: You have a new foe.
Global youth are tackling the root causes of extremism. Over 70 youth leaders from around the globe met recently in New York, developed an action agenda, and shared it with President Obama at the Leaders’ Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism.
Here are some of their projects:
Ahmed was injured by the al-Shabaab blasts in Kampala in 2010. He recovered and now runs a training center where imams discuss how to further educate young Muslims about Islam’s peaceful teachings.
“Communication is something overlooked when it comes to countering violent extremism,” says Widyan. She runs Point, a digital magazine that educates Australian youth by countering misinformation distributed by al-Qaida and other extremist groups.
Growing up in Cameroon, Achaleke fell into extremism before turning against it and deciding to help others make the same journey. Today he heads a program that helps interest children in theater and keeps them away from extremists.
Abla wanted adults to pay more attention to youth voices on combating violent extremism. She launched a social media campaign to make that happen.
Contribute your voice to Abla’s campaign by tweeting through #ifmyvoicewasheard, and learn more about youth countering violent extremism through #Youth4Peace.
