Networking & Awareness Programs

 

What AVP Is About

The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is an international peace-building program that helps individuals and communities develop practical skills for resolving conflict without violence. Through experiential activities, discussions, and cooperative learning, AVP guides participants to understand the roots of conflict and explore alternatives based on respect, communication, and inner strength. The core themes such as positive communication, community cooperation, empathy, and transforming power support people in building peace from within themselves and extending it to others.

AVP workshops are designed to be interactive and experiential. Participants learn through role plays, cooperative games, personal reflection, and group problem-solving. The sessions help people strengthen emotional resilience, manage stress, improve relationships, and create peaceful responses to challenging situations. The program brings people from different backgrounds together, allowing them to connect, learn from one another, and develop a deeper understanding of how to build harmony in their communities.

 

YPD Karenland’s Partnership With AVP

YPD Karenland collaborates with the Friends Peace Teams organization, which provides AVP training to communities worldwide. Several YPD leaders and youth members have participated in regional AVP workshops both abroad and in Karenland, covering topics such as peacebuilding, communication, cooperation, and transforming power. After completing these workshops, YPD Karenland brings the knowledge back to the community and conducts AVP sessions locally, ensuring that the lessons are shared widely.

Through this partnership, YPD members have strengthened their facilitation skills, gained deeper cultural understanding, and acquired practical peace-building tools. Participation in international workshops also allows them to connect with global peace advocates, exchange experiences, and bring new ideas to enhance local initiatives.

 

Impact of AVP in Karen Communities

The AVP trainings conducted by YPD Karenland have made a meaningful difference in villages across Karenland. Community members, especially youth, develop skills in communication, teamwork, emotional regulation, and peaceful conflict resolution. These skills contribute to reducing misunderstandings, improving relationships within families and villages, and creating safer, more supportive community environments.

By applying AVP techniques locally, YPD helps people understand that peace begins with personal transformation. Youth and adults learn to manage anger, handle disagreements without violence, and support others facing stress or trauma. The workshops also empower young people to become positive role models and community leaders who promote cooperation, unity, and harmony. YPD hopes that these trainings will continue and expand, creating a lasting positive impact in Karen communities.

 

YPD Karenland implements Child Rights Awareness programs to help children understand their rights, develop confidence, and feel supported within their communities. Through engaging activities such as games, singing, dancing, drawing, and group fellowship, children learn to express themselves, build friendships, and strengthen their communication skills. These interactive sessions create a safe and nurturing environment where children feel cared for and protected, which is especially important during times of crisis. By promoting awareness and providing emotional support, the program helps improve children’s mental well-being while encouraging them to grow with confidence and a sense of belonging within their community.

 

YPD Karenland works in partnership with CIDKP to strengthen community safety through Mine Risk Education (MRE). After receiving training from CIDKP, YPD representatives return to Karen communities to share essential knowledge about the dangers of landmines, unexploded bombs, mortars, and other explosive remnants of war. Many accidents in the past occurred because people believed old or unexploded devices were no longer dangerous. Through these trainings, community members now understand the serious risks and know how to make safer decisions when traveling in forests, conflict-affected areas, or locations where explosives may be present.

The MRE sessions teach participants how to recognize different types of mines, including both factory-made and locally-made devices, and how to identify warning signs of dangerous areas. Community members also learn what actions to take when encountering suspicious objects, how to protect themselves, and how to report hazardous items to the appropriate authorities. As a result of these awareness programs, mine-related incidents in many villages have significantly decreased, and people now navigate their environment with greater caution and understanding.

 

Impact of the Scholarship Program

The Scholarship Program, supported through the partnership between YPD Karenland and Friends Peace Teams (FPT), has made a significant difference in the lives of young people pursuing education in Karenland. While FPT has been collaborated with YPD Karenland in leading the AVP Project, their commitment now extends to helping students continue their studies despite financial challenges.

Through this program, selected students receive school fees and essential study materials such as books, pens, and other supplies. This support reduces the financial burden on families and allows students to focus on learning instead of worrying about educational costs. In addition, FPT also provides partial food support to the YPD Karenland Center. Even though it is not full support, it means a great deal to both the organization and the trainees who rely on the Center while studying.

Thanks to this scholarship assistance, more young people in Karen communities are able to attend school, build their skills, and prepare for brighter futures. This program not only empowers individual students but also strengthens the long-term development of the community by nurturing educated, motivated future leaders.