In thinking about violence on a global level, it's often easy to lose track of individuals who have suffered in these conflicts — as soldiers, civilians, or just innocent passers-by. Exactly what conflict does to the children of war-torn areas is a subject that scholars at the University of Tennessee's Center for the Study of Youth and Political Violence are determined to comprehend.
Established under the aegis of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, the center endeavors to become a global authority on the needs of adolescents affected by conflict and war. As victims of violence, terrorism, occupation, and coercion, these children have survived unimaginable circumstances and will in time mature into adults who may again be drawn into war and violence in our increasingly interconnected world. "If we want to ensure that the future is more stable, then we ought to pay attention to this population," says Center Director Brian Barber, a renowned professor of child and family studies, who has worked as an advisor to the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Over the next six years, the center will host a large conference, bring in experts from around the world to present papers and studies on adolescent experiences in Northern Ireland, South Africa, and Israel-Palestine. Barber and his colleagues believe there conferences are a critical first step toward developing a model to guide government agencies, religious groups, social service agencies, and health organizations in best serving these international adolescent populations.
The Center for the Study of Youth and Political Violence looks at the children of strife and sees the possibilities of healing and change. In the end, stemming violence is largely dependent on turning the tide from conflict to conversation, and giving adolescents in war-ravaged communities the tools to seek understanding and education. The work of the center, with the support of its international board of advisors, creates a hopeful departure point on the road to peace.
For more information about the Center for the Study of Youth and Political Violence and other organizations, please visit:
To find out more about UT's international efforts, visit Ready For the World.
