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Description
This project aims to construct a culture of non-violence through the training of mediators in the AVP (Alternative to Violence Project) methodology, based on a logic of dialogue, communication and sharing of common interests. The AVP presents non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and social transformation. This project aims to improve the work developed by Diáspora Sem Fronteiras with young people of different nationalities (13 to 21 years old). Thus, the main objectives are to create an innovative resource to train the first group of facilitators in Portugal, to teach young people using the AVP methodology to develop personal and social skills in conflict mediation and interculturality and to strengthen the network of facilitators, through AVP maintenance workshops.
Summary of project results
This project aimed to promote a culture of non-violence by training mediators in the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP) methodology, which focuses on dialogue, communication, and shared interests. It also aimed to improve the promoters'' work with young people of different nationalities. The main objectives were the creation of an AVP Portugal certified center to train the first facilitators in the country, the training of young people in conflict mediation and intercultural skills, and the strengthening of the network of facilitators through AVP workshops.
The project was executed in two phases: the first phase lasted seven months, from June to December 2022, and the second phase lasted six months, from January to June 2023. In the first quarter of the initial phase, the focus was on establishing close partnerships and presenting the project and its methodology. Meetings were held with the public sector of Cascais, particularly those involved in Youth and Social Action, as well as with specific projects operating in vulnerable areas. During this period, five awareness workshops were conducted with young people—four in Cascais with youth from different parts of the municipality and one in Évora.
In the following four months, methodology training workshops were conducted, including two basic workshops, two advanced workshops, and one training workshop, totaling 100 hours of training activities for professionals working with youth. In the second phase, with increased community awareness, visits were made to socially vulnerable areas. Four awareness/maintenance workshops were conducted in Cascais, one workshop for vulnerable youth in Lisbon, one workshop by invitation of the UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainable Global Peace, and one in a juvenile detention center in Sintra. From April to May, six more training workshops were held for professionals and youth, including two Basic Workshops, two Advanced Workshops, and two Facilitator Training Workshops, totaling 120 hours of training. These sessions featured three facilitators—one from Portugal and two from the UK and the USA, bringing diverse experiences from different countries. Throughout the project, 12 awareness/maintenance workshops were conducted, totaling 30 hours with around 180 young participants, and 12 training workshops were conducted, totaling 240 hours. At least 52 people completed some stage of the training, and 34 people completed the full training, becoming facilitators of the methodology and integrating the implementation of APV Portugal.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 34 professional staff trained;
- 180 youths mobilised by NGOs to engage in human rights work;
- 88% share of target group showing concern for human rights.
In terms of capacity building, the promoter carried out a needs assessment and prepared an action plan.