Stop extremism. Teach Afghan kids to embrace peace

Young Afghan boys such as Mansoor, a student at Mirwais Mina High School in Jawzjan Province grew up in an environment where fighting and aggressive behavior seemed to be the only way to resolve conflicts.  But after enrolling in HTAC's peace education class, Mansoor discovered there was a better way to get along in the world.  When he observed two adult male neighbors beating one another, Mansoor bravely intervened and (at the risk of being injuried himself), used the skills he learned in class to mediate and resolve their conflict non-violently.  After listening to Mansoor talk about the benefits of living peacefully, the two men regretted their action and apologized to one another.

HTAC is educating and empowering a new generation of Afghan youth, like Mansoor, to become peacemakers.  Such efforts are having a profound impact in reducing fighting and aggressive behavior, not only in Afghan schools, but in homes (where violence commonly occurs), and entire communities.  By choosing to embrace peaceful, everyday living, Mansoor and thousands of Afghan boys each year are rejecting a culture of violence and are no longer vulnerable to extremist elements.