The project aims to increase the resilience of Tajikistan’s young people to violent narratives in areas where risks of violent extremism are exacerbated by vulnerability to extreme poverty and outward migration dynamics, through endowing them with capacities, skills and competencies that open socio-economic opportunities, enable them to participate in political life, and enhance their community participation, sense of belonging and confidence in government.  

The project is timely, as risks of exclusion in the country are increasing due to persistent economic hardship, social, economic and political exclusion of young people and especially women, and the erosion of social cohesion due to changing identities and shifting social norms. The project will define effective models of prevention work for the scale-up and policy and will catalyze both policy implementation in the country as well as international attention to this problem with a strong focus on inclusion. 

The project is innovative, as it introduces a new type of programming around the prevention of violent extremism risks with a focus on youth development and participation. First, the project relies on multi-dimensional and comprehensive responses that focuses on addressing root causes, with a long-term look, as opposed to short-term and securitized approaches. Secondly, the project does not see young people as troublemakers or victims but aims to build trust in them and empower them. Third, the project has a strong focus on strengthening gender equality and women’s empowerment through introducing new approaches and perspectives, which has been missing from these types of programmes in the country. In this sense, the project aims to catalyze further funding and interest to this type of programming that focuses on alleviating exclusionary dynamics and preventing multi-dimensional risk.