UNESCO and the Ministry of Education train teachers from Ninewa on PVE-E

Adhering to COVID-19 safety measures, UNESCO and the Ministry of Education organized a weeklong workshop that brought together 53 teachers (39 females, 14 males) from 15 schools in Ninewa Governorate. Led by UNESCO-trained master trainers from the General Directorate of Education, Ninewa, the interactive, play-based workshop cultivated teachers' capacities on Preventing Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E): from what it is, its context-specific drivers to concrete play-base activities to cultivate resilience against it in their classrooms.

Context

Even though COVID-19 might have reduced the overall incidences of violent extremism due to lockdowns, it has significantly exacerbated the salient drivers- not just the visible economic drivers but overall hopelessness and distrust in participatory institutions, all augmented by a proliferation of conspiracy theories, fake news, racist and divisive rhetoric. Around the world, hate speech, domestic violence, gender-based violence and other pointers of violent extremism have increased. Furthermore, violent extremists appear to be taking advantage of this overall systemic uncertainty to ramp up recruitments online. In fragile contexts like Iraq where communities are yet to heal fully, not only have violent extremists' activities increasedsignificantly in some parts but COVID has made matters worsein all spheres.

In addition to exacerbating vulnerabilities, COVID-19 has affirmed the need, and also impeded the implementation of projects to build sustainable peace. More than ever, learners, teachers, school principals and parents need more support to cultivate resilience against the lures of violent extremists that are resurfacing. To leave these vulnerable groups now will not only be an impediment to the healing process but also sow the seeds for more violence in the future. It is for this reason that UNESCO and the Ministry of Education organized the weeklong workshop for the training of teachers, despite the COVID-19 challenges.

The workshop

Empowered by the PVE-E Training of Trainers Refresher Sessions conducted by UNESCO in March 2021, the 5 master trainers from the General Directorate of Education in Ninewa were ready to lead the first round of training activities for 53 teachers nominated from 15 schools around Ninewa by the General Directorate of Education.