The Northeastern part of Nigeria has faced significant challenges due to Boko Haram activities and other terrorist organizations, which have led to displacement, destabilization of local security issues, and exposure of constant danger for communities. Many families in the region have members who have either joined or are susceptible to radicalization, potentially turning them into violent extremists and Reintegration of former members is further hampered as these individuals are frequently shunned or vilified by their home communities.

In response to these challenges, the Neem Foundation and Hedayah have collaborated to train civil society organizations on supporting families to counter violent extremism. 

Group picture of participants and facilitators.

This initiative brought together 32 participants from civil societies and organizations in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Taraba states, in a six-day workshop, supported by the European Union, which was held from May 7th-9th and May 28th-30th at the Grand Sands Hotels in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The training included a series of group activities designed to localize the approach to enhance understanding, and practically draft concepts, especially of the topics covered. 

During the training, trainers, and facilitators from Hedayah have also joined virtually to support the sessions. However, Participants of the session has expressed their appreciation for the training modules, emphasizing the importance of the methodologies taught.

Muhammad Ngobdo Hassan, one of the participants, highlighted the usefulness of learning how to engage with families needing reintegration support and the methodology being taught to follow. 

“the training was very technical and very useful, because If you don’t know how to conduct a needs assessment, code it, and identify critical issues to convert them into interventions, it’s challenging. This training has enriched our work.” He said.

Other participants noted the timeliness of the training, given the ongoing hardships caused by insurgents and the increasing number of Boko Haram members seeking reintegration.

Ali Maina, representing GISCO, a local organization in Borno, stated, 

“This training has come at the right time. Countering violent extremism, deradicalization, and reintegration in Borno State entail the Borno Model. Resettlement is ongoing, and this type of training is very effective.”

The workshop also focused on how local organizations can fully support families through violence prevention and peace-building interventions, while also considering their emotional well-being. Participants were enlightened on providing psychosocial support.

According to Hauwa Muhammad, another participant, shared that her organization, Rehabilitation Empowerment for Better Health Initiative, previously focused more on victims than their families. 

“The community and its members must work together to support victims and their families, not just the organizations,” Muhammad emphasized. 

The training has however, highlighted the importance of involving the entire community in supporting both victims and their relatives.

Neem Foundation and Hedayah has restated their committed for further supporting organizations in similar trainings as participants vows to step down the training to their staff and uses the knowledge in designing and implementing their projects in the region.

Highlights of the event, certificates of attendance were awarded to the participants and a group photograph.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

● https://truthalliance.africa/reach-us/

● info@truthalliance.org.ng

Global Sentinel:

Neem Foundation,  Hedayah train CSOs on countering violent extremism, Boko Haram propaganda

News Nigeria:

CSOs trained on supporting North East families to counter violent extremism, Boko Haram propaganda

The News Haus:

CSOs Train North East Families On How To Counter Violent Extremism, Boko Haram Propaganda

News Diary

https://newsdiaryonline.com/eu-neem-foundation-train-csos-on-countering-violent-extremism-boko-haram

TwentyOne:

https://twentyone.com.ng/21/2024/06/csos-trained-to-counter-violent-extremism-in-northeastern-nigeria

Early Report News:

https://earlyreportnews.com/csos-trained-to-counter-violent-extremism-in-north-east-nigeria

Yerwa Express News:

https://yen.ng/yen2/2024/06/csos-trained-to-support-neast-communities-on-cve-boko-haram-propaganda