The commitment to seek durable solutions and bridge the humanitarian-peace-justice and development nexus continues for Save the Children as it partners anew with the European Union for a peace-building project.

In celebration of the Zero Discrimination Day on 1 March, SC spearheads the launch of the Senang Project which will be implemented within the next three years in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao including urban and rural areas from Muslim dominant conflict-affected communities in the country.

The project aims to ensure that 80,000 children and youth in Mindanao will live in a peaceful environment. It will do its part in preventing human-induced conflicts, responding to crises, fostering children and youth’s meaningful participation in social cohesion, providing opportunities for intergenerational, intercultural and inter-religious dialogues, creating safe and neutral spaces and promoting peace and tolerance through arts and culture.

“Peace education and inclusive spaces of children and youth participation are our key approaches that will drive our goal to provide a fair and equal world for and with children. We enjoin everyone to journey with us in positively transforming the lives of children and youth in Mindanao, including their families and communities, and help build a sustainable future for the next generation,” Atty. Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines, said in a statement.

The EU, meanwhile, pledges to continue supporting the existing peace efforts and initiatives of the government and other relevant agencies.

“It reflects how the key roles of children and young people play in the achievement of a peaceful society,” said Frederic Grillet, First Secretary, Political, Press and Information section of the EU Delegation to the Philippines.

Senang Project is also supported by OPAPRU, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)-INNOTECH, the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission and various ministries and youth groups in BARMM.