At the core of peacebuilding efforts, Sheyna Delos Reyes, Program Officer of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) Philippines, highlights two crucial initiatives that are shaping the future of communities: the Peace Education Leadership Formation Course (PELFC) and the Aftercare Peace Track Program. Both programs are integral parts of the Expanded Peace Heroes Formation Program, which is designed to foster lasting peace by empowering youth and facilitating the successful reintegration of former combatants.
The PELFC focuses on young women from the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade and out-of-school youth from Metro Manila and BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). By training participants in peace education, conflict resolution, and community engagement, the course equips them with vital skills to resolve conflicts constructively and advocate for peaceful change. Meanwhile, the Aftercare Peace Track Program supports the healing and reintegration of returnees—former combatants seeking a path to a peaceful and productive life. By combining peace education with psychosocial support, the program offers a holistic approach to healing and transformation.
Sheyna emphasized that these initiatives align with national frameworks like the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, Youth Peace and Security, and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Together, they contribute to strengthening social cohesion and advancing community-led peace efforts.
As Sheyna explained, the transformative power of these programs lies not just in teaching peace, but in the practical application of these principles in real-world settings. “Through their voluntary service as peace education youth leaders, these young people are not only learning about peace—they are living it, spreading it, and making a tangible impact on their communities.”
These programs are more than just courses or initiatives—they are vital tools for sustainable peace and inclusive development, built upon the foundation of youth and women-led efforts. They represent the future of peacebuilding, one where leadership, healing, and resilience go hand-in-hand in transforming communities from conflict to harmony.
Youth Facilitators: Catalysts for Change in Preventing Violent Extremism
“I’m so glad that I was part of the rollout sessions and had the chance to be a facilitator… everything I’ve learned, I’m able to share with others,” shared Ansharie Macmod, a member of the Sangguniang Kabataan in Maguindanao, reflecting on his experience as a youth facilitator.
Youth facilitators are playing a pivotal role in the fight against violent extremism by using their experiences to build resilience, foster empathy, and promote conflict resolution among their peers. Their work goes beyond simply teaching peace—it is about empowering young people to stand against the harmful ideologies that fuel violence and division. As Macmod explained, “Peace education is essential for young people because it makes them more aware of what is right and wrong, helping them understand what actions are acceptable and which are not.”
By equipping youth with the tools to resist extremist narratives and fostering a sense of solidarity, these facilitators are cultivating a new generation of leaders who can counter divisiveness through dialogue and understanding. Their approach emphasizes the power of empathy and peaceful communication—critical elements in transforming conflict into opportunities for mutual respect and cooperation.
As these facilitators continue their work, they are creating more than just an educational experience—they are driving lasting change. Through their mentorship, they are shaping young leaders who not only resolve conflicts but also inspire others to follow their example. Raja Verano, a youth facilitator from Metro Manila, emphasized this collective responsibility: “Peace doesn’t come from just one person or one group. As much as we can, we try to make everyone a peace hero.”
Through their dedication, these youth facilitators are making a profound impact in preventing violent extremism and promoting social harmony in their communities. They are laying the groundwork for a more peaceful future—one conversation, one young leader at a time.
As Macmod concluded, “I believe that if every young person makes peace a way of life, violence will be a thing of the past.”
Transforming Lives Through Mentorship
Rashid and Hishma, both participants in the Aftercare Peace Track Program, exemplify the power of mentorship and personal growth in the journey of reintegration and peacebuilding.
Rashid, deeply grateful for the guidance of his mentor, Kuya Lee, shares, “Even when he’s at work, he always calls me, checks on me, and shares his food with me… he has become my friend, and I will never forget him.” For Rizki, this connection helped him value family and relationships, and he credits the program for changing his perspective on peace. “There are people who will become your friends even when you have lost hope… their goal is the same, which is peace,” he says.
Hishma, on the other hand, attributes much of her growth to the empathy and support provided by her mentor, whom she describes as a real “Ate” who always makes time for her despite her busy schedule. “One thing I’ve learned is empathy,” she reflects. “When I started to embody empathy, na-less yung arguments, na-less yung unnecessary stress sa buhay.” Hafida learned that maintaining inner peace and good communication were key to navigating life’s challenges and fostering harmony in her community.
Together, Rashid and Hishma’s stories highlight the Aftercare Peace Track Program’s impact in equipping former combatants with the tools for healing, conflict resolution, and reintegration. Their experiences underline the importance of mentorship, empathy, and the shared goal of peace, demonstrating how these elements can transform individuals and communities alike.
Mentorship as a Pillar of Youth Reintegration, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare in Lanao del Sur
Sheyna highlights the essential role of peace mentors in the success of the youth returnees’ reintegration. “Because of the trust and support of our peace mentors, our youth returnees are becoming ready to make decisions that will benefit their lives — to regain trust in our institutions, and to develop the confidence to take a peaceful path forward.” This support system not only empowers individuals but also helps rebuild faith in the processes of change, turning former combatants into peace advocates who are now guiding their communities toward peaceful solutions.
As these young returnees grow in confidence, they are not just making better personal choices—they are becoming influential voices in their communities. They are showing that with the right guidance, anyone can choose peace over violence, healing over conflict. With a stronger belief in themselves and their future, they are creating a ripple effect of positive change in the wider society.
A Path Forward: Building Lasting Peace Through Education and Empowerment
Through its innovative peace education initiatives, TPBPM continues to make a profound impact on the communities it serves. By empowering youth and supporting the reintegration of former combatants, the organization is fostering a culture of peace that extends beyond classrooms and workshops. The Peace Education Leadership Formation Course (PELFC) and the Aftercare Peace Track Program are key drivers of this change, equipping individuals with the skills, confidence, and support needed to create lasting peace in their communities. TPBPM’s work exemplifies how peacebuilding efforts, rooted in trust, empathy, and collaboration, can transform lives and pave the way for a more harmonious future for the Philippines.