From Conflict to Cooperation – How Youth Built Bridges in Bhutan

Context:
In a rural community in Bhutan, local farmers were facing frequent theft of electric wires, which disrupted irrigation and led to a loss of livelihood. The conflict had created tension between wealthier landowners and marginal farmers, escalating distrust and social tension in the village. Traditional authorities struggled to mediate, and the issue risked turning violent.

Intervention by SRADHA:
Through the “Together for Peace – through filming their stories” project, youth participants were trained in creative storytelling, conflict analysis, and peacebuilding techniques. One youth participant took the lead in applying these skills to resolve the local conflict using dialogue and negotiation, engaging both groups and mediating a fair solution.

Outputs:

  • Youth engagement: 1 participant (P. Yushika, 23) directly mobilized community youth to address the conflict.
  • Community dialogue: Organized a meeting involving both rich and marginal farmers.
  • Storytelling & awareness: Used storytelling techniques learned in the SRADHA workshops to illustrate the impact of the conflict on livelihoods and community cohesion.
  • Solution implementation: Agreed-upon plan where landlords took responsibility for future theft prevention, and marginal farmers contributed labor in a fair system.

Outcomes:

  • Conflict over stolen electric wires was peacefully resolved.
  • Trust between wealthier and marginal farmers improved.
  • Youth leaders in the community became recognized as credible mediators and problem-solvers.
  • Community members expressed increased willingness to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Impacts:

  • Peacebuilding impact: Reduced local tensions and prevented potential escalation of violence.
  • Replication potential: Youth participants inspired others in neighboring communities to apply dialogue-based conflict resolution.
  • Capacity building: Youth learned to apply negotiation, mediation, and storytelling skills in real-world settings, reinforcing the training received through SRADHA.

Engaged Numbers:

  • Direct youth participants in conflict resolution: 1 lead youth + 5 supporting youth
  • Indirectly impacted community members: ~50 families (approx. 200 individuals)
  • Workshops contributing to skills used: 4 creative storytelling and filmmaking workshops

Impact Numbers:

  • 100% of the immediate conflict was resolved peacefully.
  • Approximately 200 community members benefited from improved relations and sustainable conflict resolution.
  • Increased capacity and confidence in 6 youth to act as mediators in future community disputes.

Participant Testimonial:

“There was a conflict over stolen electric wires, and the farmers lost their livelihood. I brought both groups together and encouraged dialogue. We agreed that the landlords would take responsibility, and the farmers would share labor fairly. Now the community works together peacefully.”
– P. Yushika, 23-year-old female, Bhutan

Conclusion:
This story illustrates how youth trained in SRADHA’s “Together for Peace” program can transform local conflicts into opportunities for cooperation and harmony. By empowering young people with creative storytelling, negotiation, and leadership skills, communities in Bhutan witnessed tangible improvements in peace, collaboration, and trust—demonstrating the ripple effect of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives.

Saving Futures – Youth Stand Against Child Marriage in India

Context:
Child marriage remained a critical issue in a village in India, with outsiders exploiting the practice by taking underage girls as brides through middlemen. Parents, often unaware of legal protections, sometimes consented due to financial incentives. This practice endangered the health, education, and future of young girls.

Intervention by SRADHA:
Through the “Together for Peace – through filming their stories” project, youth were trained in creative storytelling, conflict analysis, and community mobilization. N. Farhat Naaz, a 23-year-old male participant, applied these skills to tackle child marriage directly in his village by organizing peers, raising awareness, and liaising with local authorities.

Outputs:

  • Youth mobilization: Organized village youth into a task force to monitor and prevent child marriages.
  • Community engagement: Coordinated with teachers and the village Panchayat to identify at-risk girls.
  • Law enforcement involvement: Reported incidents to local police and ensured middlemen were apprehended.
  • Awareness campaigns: Conducted door-to-door visits and community meetings to educate parents on the legal and social consequences of child marriage.
  • School enrollment support: Encouraged families to enroll daughters in schools.

Outcomes:

  • Immediate prevention of multiple child marriages in the village.
  • Increased community awareness of the risks and illegality of child marriage.
  • Strengthened collaboration between youth, local authorities, and community leaders.
  • Enhanced empowerment of girls to continue their education.

Impacts:

  • Protection of children: Girls who were at risk were safeguarded and enrolled in school.
  • Community-level change: Parents increasingly recognized the value of education and legal protections for girls.
  • Youth leadership: Demonstrated the ability of youth to initiate social change and influence norms in culturally sensitive contexts.
  • Replicable model: Other villages expressed interest in replicating the youth-led monitoring and awareness initiative.

Engaged Numbers:

  • Direct youth participants: 15 local youth led by N. Farhat Naaz
  • Community leaders and teachers engaged: 10 individuals
  • Families reached: ~50 families
  • Indirectly impacted individuals: ~150 people (including children and parents)

Impact Numbers:

  • Number of child marriages prevented: 5 confirmed cases
  • Number of girls enrolled in school due to intervention: 12
  • 100% of participating youth reported increased confidence and capacity to address child protection issues

Participant Testimonial:

“Outsiders came to take girls for marriage. Our youth team worked with teachers, Panchayat, and police to prevent this. We also talked to parents and encouraged them to send their daughters to school. Things are improving, and now we are planning to strengthen our activities further.”
– N. Farhat Naaz, 23-year-old male, India

Conclusion:
This success story illustrates the transformative power of youth-led initiatives in protecting vulnerable children. By equipping youth with skills in storytelling, advocacy, and community mobilization, SRADHA’s “Together for Peace” program enabled young people to safeguard the rights of girls, prevent child marriage, and foster a culture of education and empowerment in Indian villages.

Stories on Screen – Youth Filmmakers Inspiring Peace Across Borders

Context:
Youth across India, Nepal, and Bhutan face challenges related to violence, bullying, extremism, and social exclusion. Traditional approaches to peacebuilding often fail to engage them effectively. SRADHA’s “Together for Peace – through filming their stories” project provided a platform for youth to creatively express their experiences and promote dialogue through filmmaking.

Intervention by SRADHA:
The program trained youth in creative storytelling, scriptwriting, and filmmaking skills. Participants transformed their personal and community stories into short films addressing peace, conflict transformation, diversity, and non-violence. A notable example included a film about how bullying pushed a young person toward extremism, emphasizing prevention and dialogue. These films were screened in communities, sparking conversations and raising awareness about peaceful conflict resolution.

Outputs:

  • Workshops conducted:
    • 4 creative storytelling workshops (India, Nepal, Bhutan)
    • 2 scriptwriting workshops (40 youth participants)
    • 3 filmmaking workshops (60 youth participants)
  • Film production: 35 short films produced on themes of peacebuilding, conflict mitigation, diversity, and youth rights.
  • Community screenings: Organized film screenings and community campaigns to showcase youth films, including discussions and interactive sessions.

Outcomes:

  • Youth participants gained skills in storytelling, scriptwriting, and film production.
  • Participants developed confidence to discuss sensitive issues such as bullying, extremism, and intergroup conflicts.
  • Communities were sensitized on the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution.
  • Peer-to-peer learning was promoted as youth shared stories and films within and across countries.

Impacts:

  • Behavioral change: Community members reported increased willingness to resolve conflicts peacefully after film screenings.
  • Youth empowerment: 100% of participating youth engaged in active peacebuilding after producing films.
  • Cross-border influence: Films were shared across India, Nepal, and Bhutan, promoting regional understanding and youth collaboration.
  • Sustainable engagement: Formation of 3 youth film and storytelling clubs, which continue to produce content and mentor new participants.

Engaged Numbers:

  • Direct youth participants: 150 (India: 80, Nepal: 40, Bhutan: 30)
  • Workshop participants: 120 youth leaders trained for clubs
  • Community members reached via screenings: ~500 individuals
  • Youth clubs established: 3 (India, Nepal, Bhutan)

Impact Numbers:

  • Number of films produced: 35
  • Youth reporting increased capacity to engage in peacebuilding: 100% of participants
  • Communities reporting improved dialogue and awareness on conflict resolution: ~500 individuals
  • Youth-led initiatives inspired in other communities: 3 new community storytelling programs

Participant Testimonial:

“I created a film on bullying and how it can lead youth toward extremism. Screening it in my community sparked discussion and awareness. People understood the importance of dialogue and supporting young people. I now feel confident to use filmmaking for change.”
– G. Kasturi, 21-year-old female, Nepal

Conclusion:
This success story highlights how creative storytelling and filmmaking empower youth to act as catalysts for peace. By turning personal and community experiences into films, the SRADHA program fostered dialogue, education, and collaboration across borders, demonstrating the power of arts and media as effective tools for peacebuilding.

A Kick for Peace – How Football United Youth in Nepal

Context:
In Nepal, social divisions among tribal and caste groups often lead to mistrust and marginalization, particularly among youth. Traditional conflict resolution methods had limited reach among young people, leaving them vulnerable to social exclusion and occasional intergroup tensions. Recognizing the need for innovative approaches, SRADHA’s “Together for Peace – through filming their stories” program incorporated sports as a tool for building inclusive communities.

Intervention by SRADHA:
A youth-led football tournament was organized in a local community, bringing together players from rival tribal and caste groups. Youth participants applied principles of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect learned through SRADHA workshops on peacebuilding, dialogue, and social inclusion. The tournament provided a safe, informal space to foster cooperation, break stereotypes, and encourage positive intergroup interactions.

Outputs:

  • Tournament organization: One-day football tournament involving 75 youth players.
  • Workshops conducted: Brief sessions on teamwork, conflict resolution, and diversity before the matches.
  • Community engagement: Local residents were invited to watch, encouraging dialogue and reflection on social cohesion.
  • Media documentation: Youth participants filmed highlights of the event to share lessons and promote the initiative to neighboring communities.

Outcomes:

  • Rival youth groups collaborated on the field, breaking down long-standing social barriers.
  • Participants reported improved understanding and respect for peers from different tribal and caste backgrounds.
  • Community members observed positive interactions among youth, challenging pre-existing biases.
  • Youth leaders gained practical experience in organizing inclusive activities that promote peace and social cohesion.

Impacts:

  • Social cohesion: Increased trust and cooperation between previously divided groups.
  • Youth empowerment: Participants gained confidence to initiate further inclusive activities in the community.
  • Behavioral change: Reduced intergroup tension as youth translated sportsmanship lessons into everyday interactions.
  • Replicable model: Inspired neighboring communities to organize similar sports-based peacebuilding events.

Engaged Numbers:

  • Direct youth participants (players): 75 (male and female youth aged 18-35)
  • Community members attending the event: ~200
  • Youth volunteers supporting organization and media: 10
  • Workshops conducted: 1 pre-tournament session

Impact Numbers:

  • Number of youth reporting improved intergroup relations: 75 (100% of participants)
  • Number of community members influenced through event observation and discussions: ~200
  • Youth-led initiatives inspired in neighboring areas: 2 similar community events following the tournament

Participant Testimonial:

“Playing football with youth from other groups helped us understand each other better. We learned teamwork and respect. Now, I can talk to my friends about living peacefully and respecting all communities.”
– S. Koyal, 22-year-old female, Nepal

Conclusion:
This success story demonstrates how informal, youth-led initiatives like sports can promote inclusion and social cohesion. By engaging youth from diverse backgrounds in collaborative activities, the SRADHA program helped bridge social divides, foster mutual respect, and cultivate sustainable peace at the community level.

Voices for Harmony – Youth Bridging Faith and Community Divides in Nepal

Context:
In a Nepalese community, tensions between minority and majority religious groups had occasionally escalated into social friction and conflict. Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms were often slow, leaving youth and marginalized groups vulnerable to harassment and exclusion. Recognizing the need for proactive interventions, SRADHA’s “Together for Peace – through filming their stories” program empowered youth to act as mediators and advocates for interfaith dialogue.

Intervention by SRADHA:
Youth participants, trained in storytelling, conflict resolution, and dialogue techniques, mobilized their peers to foster tolerance and mutual understanding. They engaged religious and community leaders, conducted awareness campaigns, and mediated disputes, promoting respect for minority faiths and inclusion of all community members.

Outputs:

  • Youth-led mediation: Organized meetings with minority and majority religious groups to address grievances.
  • Community awareness sessions: Workshops and discussions on tolerance, diversity, and peaceful conflict resolution.
  • Storytelling campaigns: Youth created and shared narratives highlighting positive interfaith interactions and the benefits of inclusivity.
  • Collaboration with authorities: Engaged local Panchayats and community leaders to formalize dialogue and conflict prevention mechanisms.

Outcomes:

  • Increased awareness among community members about the importance of respecting minority faiths.
  • Youth became recognized as credible mediators capable of resolving tensions peacefully.
  • Reduction in instances of harassment and interfaith disputes reported by the community.
  • Improved relationships and cooperation between different faith groups.

Impacts:

  • Peacebuilding: Tangible reduction in interfaith tensions and improved social cohesion in the community.
  • Youth empowerment: Strengthened the capacity of youth to lead dialogue and tolerance initiatives.
  • Community behavioral change: Greater acceptance of religious diversity and proactive participation in peacebuilding.
  • Sustainable influence: Establishment of youth-led initiatives and networks for ongoing interfaith dialogue and advocacy.

Engaged Numbers:

  • Direct youth participants: 20 (male and female, aged 18–35)
  • Religious and community leaders engaged: 15
  • Community members participating in workshops and campaigns: ~100

Impact Numbers:

  • Instances of interfaith conflicts reduced: 3 reported cases successfully mediated
  • Community members reporting improved interfaith relations: ~100
  • Youth trained and empowered to act as mediators: 20
  • Youth-led follow-up initiatives inspired by neighboring communities: 2

Participant Testimonial:

“We organized meetings with both religious communities and worked with leaders to ensure respect and fairness. Now there is less tension, and everyone feels safer. Our youth group continues to promote understanding and harmony.”
– S. Koyal, 22-year-old female, Nepal

Conclusion:
This success story demonstrates how youth can be powerful agents of tolerance and interfaith dialogue. By facilitating structured conversations, raising awareness, and leveraging storytelling, SRADHA empowered young leaders to bridge divides, reduce violence, and foster lasting harmony within their communities in Nepal.