Approach & Governance
A single, repeatable framework that links safe participation to adult action and community change
Theory of change
If children and young people have safe opportunities to learn, express their views and cooperate across differences; if caregivers, schools, partners and institutions are equipped to protect and support them; and if evidence from their lived experiences informs programme design, partnerships and policy dialogue – then children and young people can experience greater agency, stronger relationships and safer opportunities to contribute to social cohesion. C4P tests and adapts this theory through monitoring, feedback and context-specific learning.
The C4P Peace Pathway
The Peace Pathway prevents tokenistic participation: young people’s views influence programme choices and adults explain what action was or was not possible.
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Step 1: Listen Safely
Age-appropriate, accessible spaces where children and young people share views voluntarily without pressure to disclose trauma. (Voice Studio)
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Step 2: Learn
Practical understanding of rights, empathy, communication, inclusion and peaceful conflict resolution. (Peace Academy)
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Step 3: Create Together
Children and young people co-design safe peer, school or community activities with trained adults.
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Step 4: Connect Adults
Caregivers, educators, leaders, partners and service providers join constructive dialogue while privacy is protected. (Partnership Exchange)
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Step 5: Act Locally
Small, non-hazardous community actions that promote inclusion and peaceful relationships.
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Step 6: Respond & Review
Feedback is documented, decisions explained (“You said, we did / could not do”) and activities adapted. (Observatory)
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Step 7: Share Responsibly
Lessons and perspectives shared in ways that protect identity and avoid retaliation.
Three connected levels of work
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Community
peace clubs, safe dialogue, caregiver engagement, school activities, local referrals, community-led initiatives.
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Country
collaboration with civil society, education and child-protection actors; context-specific programming; evidence; policy engagement.
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Regional
peer learning, cross-country exchange, practitioner resources, regional advocacy and adaptable approaches.
What makes C4P distinctive
C4P links safe participation of children and young people, adult accountability, community relationships and evidence of change in one disciplined model – and supports it with four signature platforms. Children and young people are not expected to solve structural conflicts alone; their contributions are supported by trained adults, referral systems and institutions responsible for protection and peace.
Partner with Children for Peace
Responsible partnerships turn local ideas into lasting action.
- Owner:
- Programmes
- Last reviewed:
- 14 October 2026
- Next review:
- 14 April 2027