Alternative To Violence Project Training of Trainers at Chevaywa

The Training of Trainers (TOT) conducted at Chevaywa marked an important step in the growth of the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). Unlike ordinary AVP workshops that focus mainly on introducing participants to peace building and conflict resolution, this training was specifically designed to prepare participants to become AVP facilitators. It brought together committed individuals who were ready to take on the responsibility of guiding others through AVP workshops and promoting nonviolence within their communities. The training focused on building facilitation skills, leadership abilities, teamwork, communication, and conflict transformation, while also emphasizing the important role facilitators play in sustaining the AVP program and creating peaceful societies.

The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) has always aimed at promoting peaceful conflict resolution, cooperation, understanding, and respect among individuals. However, the success and continuity of AVP depend heavily on trained facilitators who can guide others through the process. The TOT at Chevaywa therefore carried a deeper purpose. It was not simply about attending sessions and learning concepts; it was about preparing future facilitators who would continue spreading the values of nonviolence and peace in schools, communities, organizations, and even refugee settings. The training emphasized that facilitators are the backbone of AVP because they help create safe spaces where people can openly communicate, reflect, heal, and learn peaceful ways of handling conflict.

The program brought together participants from different backgrounds, each carrying unique experiences and expectations. Despite these differences, the training quickly built unity among everyone. Through introductory activities, group discussions, and team-building exercises, participants learned the importance of trust and cooperation. One of the strongest lessons from the training was that facilitation is not about controlling people but about guiding them in a respectful and inclusive manner. Facilitators must create an environment where every participant feels heard, valued, and respected regardless of their background or opinions.

Everyone needs to be given an opportunity

Throughout the training, participants were introduced to deeper facilitation skills that went beyond theory. They learned how to manage group discussions, encourage participation, handle difficult situations during workshops, and maintain neutrality while guiding sessions. These skills were practiced through role plays, simulations, and practical facilitation exercises where trainees took turns leading activities before receiving feedback from fellow participants and experienced trainers. Although some participants initially struggled with confidence and public speaking, the supportive environment encouraged growth and improvement. By the end of the sessions, many participants who had once feared standing before a group were confidently leading discussions and activities.

Another major focus of the TOT was conflict transformation. Participants explored different causes of conflict in society, including misunderstandings, prejudice, poor communication, anger, inequality, and lack of trust. Rather than viewing conflict as something entirely negative, the training encouraged participants to see it as an opportunity for growth and positive change when handled peacefully. Through discussions and real-life examples, trainees learned how facilitators can help individuals and groups move away from violence, hostility, and division toward understanding, healing, and cooperation.

Communication skills also played a very important role throughout the training. Participants learned the value of active listening, empathy, patience, and respectful dialogue. Many conflicts worsen because people listen to respond instead of listening to understand and also when receiving feedback because its easier to give than to receive. The training therefore challenged participants to become better listeners and more compassionate communicators. Facilitators were reminded that sometimes the greatest support they can offer is simply allowing someone to express themselves freely without judgment. This lesson deeply touched many participants because it highlighted the human inner power of  connection and understanding in building peace.

The TOT also emphasized the importance of teamwork. Facilitators rarely work alone, and successful AVP workshops depend on cooperation among facilitation teams. Participants engaged in activities that required collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual support. These exercises demonstrated that teamwork strengthens creativity, reduces pressure, and improves the quality of facilitation. Participants learned how to appreciate one another’s strengths while supporting each other’s weaknesses. The spirit of unity that developed during the training became one of its most memorable aspects.

One of the most inspiring parts of the training was the practical facilitation sessions. Each trainee was given opportunities to facilitate activities while others observed. These sessions allowed participants to apply what they had learned in real situations. Experienced trainers provided constructive feedback that helped trainees improve their communication style, body language, confidence, time management, and ability to engage participants. Although some sessions were challenging, they became valuable learning opportunities that prepared participants for future workshops.

The training also encouraged personal reflection and self-awareness. Participants were challenged to examine their own attitudes, behaviors, and responses to conflict. Before becoming facilitators for others, they first had to understand themselves. Many participants shared personal experiences of conflict, pain, fear, and growth. These moments created strong emotional connections among the group and reminded everyone that peacebuilding begins within individuals before it can spread to communities. The training therefore became not only an educational experience but also a transformative personal journey.

Another important lesson from the TOT was the responsibility that comes with being an AVP facilitator. Facilitators are role models who influence the attitudes and behaviors of others. Their words, actions, and attitudes can inspire positive change or discourage participants. Because of this, the training emphasized integrity, humility, respect, and commitment. Facilitators were reminded that their role extends beyond workshop sessions. They are expected to practice peaceful conflict resolution in their daily lives and communities. This responsibility requires patience, maturity, and dedication to the principles of nonviolence.

The importance of AVP facilitators cannot be underestimated. In many communities today, conflicts continue to destroy relationships, divide families, and create fear among people. Schools experience bullying and violence, communities struggle with misunderstandings and disputes, and many young people grow up without proper guidance on peaceful communication. AVP facilitators therefore serve as agents of change who help people discover alternatives to violence and destructive behavior. Through workshops and community engagement, facilitators help individuals build trust, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and develop peaceful problem-solving skills.

Facilitators are also important because they help sustain the AVP program itself. Without trained facilitators, the knowledge and values of AVP would not continue reaching new participants. The TOT at Chevaywa therefore ensured continuity by preparing a new generation of facilitators ready to carry the mission forward. These facilitators will have the ability to organize workshops, mentor others, and inspire communities toward peace building. Their impact will not only be felt within workshops but also in schools, families, workplaces, refugee camps, and society at large.

The supportive atmosphere throughout the training greatly contributed to its success. Participants encouraged one another, shared experiences openly, and celebrated each other’s progress. The trainers themselves demonstrated excellent facilitation skills by leading with patience, professionalism, and respect. Their guidance inspired many trainees and showed them what effective facilitation truly looks like. Through their example, participants learned that good facilitators do not dominate discussions but instead empower others to participate and contribute.

As the training progressed, confidence levels among participants noticeably increased. Individuals who were once shy became active contributors during discussions and facilitation sessions. The environment allowed everyone to learn without fear of criticism or embarrassment. This growth in confidence was one of the strongest signs of transformation during the TOT. Participants realized that facilitation is not about perfection but about willingness to learn, adapt, and support others sincerely.

The closing moments of the training were emotional and inspiring. Participants reflected on the journey they had shared, the lessons they had learned, and the friendships they had built. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow into facilitators and promised to use the knowledge responsibly within their communities. There was a strong sense of achievement and hope as participants looked forward to future workshops and opportunities to facilitate others.

The AVP Training of Trainers at Chevaywa Secondary School was therefore much more than an educational program. It was a transformative experience that equipped participants with leadership skills, facilitation techniques, communication abilities, and a deeper understanding of peace building. Most importantly, it prepared a new team of facilitators who will continue promoting nonviolence, understanding, and cooperation within society.

The training demonstrated that peace is not achieved through force or silence but through dialogue, empathy, teamwork, and understanding. By preparing facilitators, AVP creates individuals who can guide others toward peaceful solutions and stronger relationships. The lessons learned at Chevaywa will continue impacting communities long after the training ended because every trained facilitator carries the responsibility and opportunity to inspire change wherever they go.