Abstract
This chapter introduces a participatory evaluation of children and youth participation in peacebuilding undertaken in Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nepal between July 2014 and June 2015 by the Global Partnership for Children and Youth in Peacebuilding. The evaluation methodology is introduced, and some key lessons learned are shared about the process of engaging children and youth as evaluators. Key findings concerning the impact of children and youth participation in peacebuilding are presented, together with an analysis of factors which hinder or enable their positive impact. The evaluation found that diverse children and youth peacebuilding initiatives allowed young peacebuilders to (1) become aware and active citizens for peace, (2) increase peaceful cohabitation and reduced discrimination, (3) reduce violence, and (4) support vulnerable groups. The findings reveal the importance of increased recognition of, collaborations with, and investments in children and youth as peacebuilders.
On behalf of the Global Partnership for Children and Youth in Peacebuilding www.GPCYP.com
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McGill, M., O’Kane, C., Giertsen, A. (2017). Evaluating Children and Youth Participation in Peacebuilding in Colombia, DRC, and Nepal: Lessons Learned and Emerging Findings. In: Harker, C., Hörschelmann, K. (eds) Conflict, Violence and Peace. Geographies of Children and Young People, vol 11. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-038-4_29
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