About Children of Conflict: Belfast 2012

‘Children of Conflict’ is an international three-day conference that aims to contribute to the understanding of the problem of young people not in education, employment or training. We want to make a positive, practical and measurable impact on resolving the NEET crisis. 

The not-for-profit conference is an innovative first in a series of international forums to be based in Northern Ireland called ‘Beyond Conflict’. The series will work through the most important issues faced by societies involved in or emerging from conflict.

The focus is on practical solutions to real problems and will involve up to 600 policy-makers and representatives of front line community organisations from all over the world.

The NEET problem is a global one but has especial resonance in societies emerging from conflict. Conflict has long lasting negative effects on children and young people who often leave school with no employment, education or training (NEET). They therefore enjoy no peace dividend, and drift into economic inactivity, unemployment and crime, or worse still become vulnerable to extremism.

This conference aims to study this phenomenon and how it can be resolved through direct intervention with NEETS. It also aims to address an important challenge for all communities: breaking this cycle through early intervention with young children.

Opportunities for preventing a lost generation of NEETs occur throughout a child’s life: infancy, school years, and school leaving age. NEETs also tends to be a cyclical issue which repeats through generations. For that reason, this conference will witness speakers from all backgrounds of research, and present case studies from projects that work to end the cycle.

We’re looking at new and creative ways to stop a lost generation. And we’re looking for our delegates to help contribute to global understanding and find a resolution.

This conference is not another talking shop. It’s not a normal conference.

This is a real and co-ordinated attempt to make a positive and measurable impact on the resolution of the NEET problem around the world.

WE'RE HAVING AN OFFICIAL LAUNCH RECEPTION ON TUESDAY 6TH DEC 2011 AT THE EUROPA HOTEL, BELFAST. THE EVENT WILL INCLUDE A BRIEFING FROM EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING MINISTER DR STEPHEN FARRY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THIS FREE EVENT, PLEASE RSVP JKENNY@ASITISCONSULTING.COM 

http://childrenofconflict2012.org