Youth for Peacebuilding in Burundi II (Y4PBB II) Final Report: August 1, 2017 – March 31, 2019

The program was implemented from August 1, 2017, to March 31, 2019, and was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Cooperative Agreement No. AID-695-A-17-00001. The program's goal was to empower and support youth-led, positive civic engagement, enhance economic incentives for youth to participate constructively in society, and support youth-led peacebuilding and violence prevention activities. To achieve these objectives, Counterpart International partnered with three local organizations: Jumelage Jeunesse Burundi (JJB), Parole et Actions pour le Réveil des Consciences et l'Evolution des Mentalités (PARCEM), and the Centre d'Encadrement et de Développement des Anciens Combattants (CEDAC). The program's activities were implemented in areas identified as "hotspots" of conflict prior to the 2015 elections, including 12 rural communes of the provinces of Kayanza, Ngozi, Gitega, Karuzi, Ruyigi, Rutana, and Bujumbura Mairie. The program's Theory of Change proposed that if youth are provided positive alternative livelihood opportunities and peacebuilding skills, and the enabling environment for economic opportunities and participation in governance, then youth will be less likely to become involved in violent conflict and can better contribute to long-term peace and stability in Burundi. The program achieved several outcomes, including laying the foundation for peace as hundreds of youth gained skills and access to safe spaces to resolve conflicts and are less vulnerable to political manipulation. The advocacy platforms are committed to holding local authorities accountable and supporting young entrepreneurs. The Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) set up by JJB enable youth to access capital through internal lending and eventually through a JJB microfinance branch. Implementing partners now have increased capacity to access and manage additional funding to continue preventing youth involvement in violence, especially ahead of the 2020 elections. Key achievements of the program include: * 13 communal youth advocacy platforms implemented * 39 advocacy activities that resulted in the building of five markets, setting up of a youth center, stronger youth representation in local development bodies and processes, and creating an enabling environment for youth civic participation and businesses * Seven national-level advocacy activities that brought the challenges faced by youth to the attention of public authorities * Organizational Development support to Civil Society Organization (CSO) partners increased their capacity to independently implement similar peacebuilding programs with youth * 508 youth received startup capital, coaching, and trainings to help them develop the skills to set up their small business, resulting in an 88% employment rate and a reduction of the risk of engaging in violence for 93% of participants. The program's success can be attributed to its focus on building the capacity of local organizations, providing economic incentives for youth, and supporting youth-led peacebuilding and violence prevention activities. The program's outcomes demonstrate its potential to contribute to long-term peace and stability in Burundi.