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Mercy Corps CREATE - Collective Resilience Against Extremism (Kenya)

Kenya, East Africa

A targeted P/CVE program in Kenya's coastal counties (Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu) working with high-risk individuals vulnerable to violent extremist organization recruitment. Uses a diagnostic approach to identify at-risk youth without stigmatization, then delivers 5-month integrated intervention packages including mentorship, trauma counseling, sports, livelihoods training, and governance dialogues. Research showed 22% reduction in likelihood of justifying violence and 20% increase in participants' sense of agency.

Behavior Goal

Build resilience against VEO recruitment among high-risk individuals through social network diversification, livelihood access, and civic participation

Target Audiences

Youth/Adolescents

Implementers & Partners

  • Mercy Corps
  • Local community-based organizations

Donors & Sponsors

  • USAID

Key Takeaways

  • 1Five resilience dimensions: social networks, livelihoods, agency, societal position, governance participation
  • 222% reduction in likelihood of justifying violence among participants
  • 3Trauma counseling essential component for populations exposed to violence
  • 4Personalized referrals connect youth to psychosocial support and job opportunities

Sources

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