Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), Youth & Interfaith: Research Capacity Building Project

This project took place from September to December 2022.

Members of local communities are often excluded from decision-making on how to prevent violent extremism (PVE). 

Yet without the critical insights, experiences, and knowledge of people on the ground – most notably young people and faith actors – PVE initiatives are unlikely to be effective in creating long-lasting, meaningful social cohesion, justice and peace and indeed risk causing harm to communities.

Through this research capacity building project, JLI, in partnership with the Interfaith Dialogue on Violent Extremism (iDove), supported 12 young people from around the world to create evidence and research on youth, faith, and PVE. Over several months, participants received training in research methods, analysis and communication, and were supported to conduct independent research projects in their countries relating to youth, faith and PVE – allowing them to build their own skills, experience, and credibility in knowledge production.

At the end of the project, participants had the opportunity to publish their research through creative outputs – from blogs, to film, photos, diaries, and storytelling. All outputs are shared on the JLI website. Participants also led a global, public webinar to share their experiences of participating in the project and showcasing their work.