The Youth Coalition Against Terrorism (YOCAT), in collaboration with One African Child Foundation for Creative Learning (OAC), has trained 50 teachers and youths educators on peace promotion and countering violent extremism.
Speaking to journalist during the two day workshop, YOCAT Chief Executive Officer Imrana Alhaji Buba, noted that the workshop was aimed at changing the mindset of the participants and strengthening their capacity in managing conflict and prevention of violent extremism
Buba said teachers, social workers and youth educators have significant role to play in addressing issues that have direct bearing in the lives of people around their communities.
“We understand that violent extremism is a phenomena that is all over our state and our region, for instance issues around Boko Haram insurgency has happened because of extremism, so measures need to be put in place to prevent similar one from occurring,” he added.
He explained that the participants were trained on conflict, peace building, concept of violent extremism and countering mechanism within their schools and communities.
He said similar exercise was conducted in Damaturu where the same group was trained and the participants were encourage to develop post workshop activities to reflect the lessons they learnt in their environment.
Two participants Maimuna Mohammed Giwa and Adamu Yusuf Garba, who spoke on their experience said they were willing to teach their students on the effect of violent extremism in their respective schools.
They urged the organisers of the workshop to support them in implementing post workshop exercises.