The role of youth networks in peace and conflict resolution: a case study of Bauleni compound in Lusaka

The study examined the role of Youth networks in peace and conflict resolution processes in Zambia using a case study of Bauleni compound. It also provides insights and illustrations of unique and unexploited potential of the Youth networks, relevant in the application of peace and conflict resolution processes in Zambia. The study was qualitative in nature and employed the non-probability sampling design (purposive) that delved on drawing inferences about the larger youth population based on the findings of the sampled three categories: Youth networks; key informants; and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) comprising youths. A total of fifty respondents were interviewed using interview guides across the three categories; eight from Youth networks operating in Bauleni; twelve key informants; and forty youths categorised in five FGDs. Key informants comprised teachers, community leaders, political party representatives, local businessmen and church leaders while FGDs comprised groups of youths between 18-25 years drawn from the community learning centre, church group and arts empowerment centre. Findings show that Bauleni has a significant number of Youth networks in comparison to what respondents were able to identify across both Lusaka and Bauleni itself. There is also strong evident that the fundamental roles undertaken by the Youth networks stretch from fostering good citizenship, enhancing youths self-worth and human rights knowledge, personal development through arts to skills building and provision of media platforms for raising youth voices. The study concludes that although a number of Youth networks were engaged in peace and conflict resolution processes, there is very limited engagement with key decision makers at both sub-national and national level. This is further exacerbated by inadequate resources and marginalisation and segregation by local level opinion shapers and elected representatives. The study recommends that youth programmes should embrace intentional and multi-faceted peace education programmes as a strategy to ensure sustainable peace. Further, youth programmes should integrate economic, socio-political and human rights approaches in order to effectively empower youths and ensure their effective contribution to peace and conflict processes