Social Cohesion and Youth Development

Program Overview

Recent events around the world highlight the risks when social cohesion is not cultivated consistently. Inequities, identities, historical conflicts, migration, and displacements are among the many tensions that could build up over time and erupt in violence. 

How can today's leaders address such tensions and foster social cohesion, especially in a world where climate change exacerbates these strains on societies?  

The Amanah-ASPIRE Fellows program is an 11-month course designed to equip field practitioners with skills and knowledge in developing systems for preventing violent extremism (PVE) in South and Southeast Asia. 

"Amanah" in the closest literal English translation, means "fulfilling or upholding trusts". This program aims to empower participants to become effective catalysts and changemakers in their communities, capable of implementing evidence-based strategies to counter the spread of violent extremism. Through a combination of interactive online workshops, project-based learning, mentoring, and field projects, Amanah-ASPIRE Fellows will gain the tools and experience necessary to make an impact in their respective contexts.

Program Objectives

1. Enhance participants' understanding of violent extremism, its underlying factors, and the importance of prevention efforts.

2. Equip participants with practical skills in identifying early warning signs of radicalization and implementing effective interventions.

3. Foster leadership qualities among participants to enable them to initiate and sustain community-led initiatives in preventing violent extremism.

Program Structure

Implementing the Amanah-APIRE Fellows program using the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) approach allows for a flexible and adaptive process. Here are 10 monthly implementation milestones that incorporate the PDIA approach:

Month 1: Problem Identification and Entry Point

• Fellows identify a specific PVE challenge in their respective communities.

• They conduct initial research and analysis to understand the root causes and dynamics of the problem.

• Fellows develop a problem statement and select an entry point for intervention.

Month 2: Building the Team and Mapping the Ecosystem

• Fellows form diverse teams with complementary skills and expertise.

• They map the PVE ecosystem, identifying key stakeholders, resources, and existing initiatives.

• The team conducts interviews and consultations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the local context.

Month 3: Iterative Learning and Experimentation

• Fellows design and implement small-scale interventions to address the identified PVE challenge.

• They continuously collect data and monitor the outcomes of their interventions.

• The team reflects on the results, learning from both successes and failures, and adjusts their approach accordingly.

Month 4: Identifying and Engaging with Key Stakeholders

• Fellows identify and engage with key stakeholders relevant to their PVE challenge.

• They foster relationships, build trust, and seek collaboration opportunities with governmental and non-governmental actors, community leaders, and other influencers.

Month 5: Scaling Up and Expanding Impact

• Fellows evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions and identify successful strategies.

• They develop plans to scale up their interventions or replicate them in other contexts.

• The team explores opportunities for resource mobilization and partnerships to support their scaling efforts.

Month 6: Learning Exchange and Peer-to-Peer Collaboration

• Fellows participate in a learning exchange where they share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned with their peers from different regions.

• They engage in peer-to-peer collaboration, providing support and feedback on each other's projects.

• The team identifies innovative approaches and best practices to adapt to their local context.

Month 7: Adapting and Responding to Emerging Challenges

• Fellows evaluate the evolving context and adapt their interventions to address emerging challenges.

• They engage in continuous learning, gathering feedback from stakeholders and adjusting their strategies accordingly.

• The team embraces flexibility and agility to respond effectively to new dynamics.

Month 8: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

• Fellows establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of their interventions.

• They collect data, analyze results, and identify areas for improvement.

• The team documents their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, creating a knowledge base for future PVE efforts.

Month 9: Advocacy and Policy Engagement

• Fellows engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices related to PVE.

• They identify opportunities to contribute to policy dialogues and collaborate with relevant institutions.

• The team develops policy briefs or recommendations based on their field experiences and research.

Month 10: Sustainability and Exit Strategy

• Fellows develop sustainability plans to ensure the continuity of their PVE initiatives beyond the program.

• They identify local champions and build their capacity to lead and sustain the interventions.

• The team develops an exit strategy that includes knowledge transfer, institutionalization, and long-term impact measurement.

The PDIA approach allows for continuous adaptation and iteration throughout the program, ensuring that fellows respond effectively to the evolving challenges and needs in their PVE efforts.