Over the past two months, the Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism (BRAVE II) project has recorded significant progress in transforming lives through practical economic livelihood skills training, with 1,500 beneficiaries acquiring market-ready skills across multiple trades.

The initiative, aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism through economic empowerment, has moved beyond classroom instruction into real-world production, service delivery, and income generation. Beneficiaries, guided by committed and skilled trainers, have undergone hands-on training in diverse vocational areas and are already applying their skills within their communities.

Across the programme, trainees are actively producing and selling a wide range of goods, including smock fabrics, various types of locally produced soaps, parboiled rice, and leather products. Others trained in service-oriented trades such as masonry and plumbing have begun offering professional services, contributing directly to local development while earning sustainable incomes.

This transition from skills acquisition to active enterprise marks a critical milestone in the BRAVE II project. It demonstrates how targeted livelihood support can create viable economic pathways, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen social cohesion in communities often exposed to the risks of violent extremism.

Each product sold and every service rendered represents more than economic activity—it reflects renewed dignity, independence, and hope. The progress underscores how donor investment is translating into tangible outcomes: empowered individuals, resilient households, and communities better equipped to resist the pull of extremism.

As beneficiaries continue to expand their enterprises, the BRAVE II project stands as a compelling example of how economic inclusion and skills development can serve as powerful tools for peacebuilding and long-term stability.

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