Youth Action for Peace (YAP) has integrated the concept of Culture of Peace into its programs and activities. Using mainly non-formal education Youth Action for Peace focuses mainly on:
-Promoting non violent attitudes, modes of behavior, values and ways of life
-How to respond to violence without violence
-Integrating oppressed and marginalized groups of young people
-Respecting minority rights
Only on going interactive learning secures the process of internalizing and assimilating “non violence oriented” values, behaviors and attitudes on the personal level that after will be transformed into societal actions.
Since the launch of the international campaign by UNESCO YAP has carried out a diversity of actions to promote the “Culture of Peace” concept. A variety of seminars and international training courses have been organised to raise awareness among young people and to train peace educators. YAP uses different approaches such as learning through discussions/ debates, presentations, theater, films, art, music, and sport.
We believe that young people have an essential role in our societies to act within the conflicts and in the promotion of non violent values and attitudes. It is important that young people become aware that there are non-violent ways to deal with conflicts and to provide them with knowledge and skills to change the aggressive trends of our societies. Long and short term voluntary services of YAP provide them the opportunity to learn at the spot and make a concrete contribution in their community.
However, the daily contributions of our volunteers, member and partner organisations are the foundation for the Culture of Peace in a global peaceful community. It begins with understanding and respecting each other''s difference, demonstrating solidarity, and concludes with joint action involving young people with equal and fewer opportunities. For Youth Action for Peace it is important to involve representatives from the local government, business, and media to promote our actions for a Culture of Peace.