Peace Institute II Concept Paper: Training of Trainers: Integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Peacebuilding

The Peace Institute as a Training of Trainers This is the second program phase in which the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF) turns the Peace Institute into a Training of Trainers (ToT). Until 2017, it was called “mini-School of Peace.” It is a focused training program on one or two related basic themes. This program follows the “value chain” concept, as most participants would come from the School of Peace (SoP) and ICF thematic workshops or other related courses.

ICF will identify and screen participants based on the recommendations from ICF alumni, YMCAs, and other peace networks. They will be chosen according to their interest, capacity, and commitment to apply the knowledge and skills gathered during the training. Toward the end of the Training of Trainers, the participants will conduct a practicum in facilitating a session on specific topics with the learned skills towards the end of the training. ICF will accept fifteen (15) participants ranging from 20-35 years old. ICF will also observe a balance in the representation of gender, religious traditions, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and PWDs. The certificate-holders of the ICF Peace Institute are anticipated to become facilitators in some ICF activities, as well as in activities in their local or national contexts beyond ICF. The potential participants are responsible for refreshing their knowledge of Mental Health skills for Peacebuilders.

Peacebuilders must have a good disposition. Everyone may have some emotional baggage and mental health issues, including peacebuilders. However, peacebuilders, no matter their baggage, are also called “wounded healers,” a term associated with Christian tradition. Thus, ICF envisions this training program to help peacebuilders understand the necessity of gaining skills to promote mental health and foster resilience and well-being to support communities affected by conflicts.

This training of trainers will take participants with some, if not a solid, background in promoting and addressing mental health challenges. They will be encouraged to create supportive environments and integrate mental health considerations into peacebuilding efforts. Through interactive activities, case studies, and expert insights, peacebuilders will gain practical tools to effectively support individuals and groups in navigating the psychological impacts peacebuilders and their communities are facing.

The ToT seeks to have a multiplier effect. The trainees will apply their knowledge through module making and applying such knowledge under the supervision of the Trainer. Thus, the practicum is an aspect of the program where the participants will have hands-on experience of facilitating educational skills training. With the help of the local host, ICF will invite local young people interested in the training and gaining the skills, albeit through the practicum. The practicum is not a clinical simulation of treating people with mental health issues.

Objectives

During the training, participants will:

1. Understand the Link Between Conflict, Human Rights Violations, and Mental Health: Recognize mental health challenges as common effects of conflict, trauma, and everyday interpersonal disputes on individuals and communities.
2. Develop Skills for Mental Health Support: Learn and demonstrate appropriate psychological first aid (PFA) and other support strategies for individuals experiencing mental health distress.
3. Strengthen Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: Apply techniques to foster resilience and promote healing within conflict-affected and peacebuilding communities.
4. Integrate Mental Health into Peacebuilding Strategies: Develop actionable plans to incorporate mental health awareness and support into peacebuilding and community engagement efforts.
5. Build a Sustainable Support Network: Establish a peer-support system among peacebuilders to exchange experiences, strategies, and best practices for mental health advocacy.

Other information

What support could ICF provide?

• ICF will provide accommodation and meals during the training period.
• ICF will support the cheapest travel expenses from the point of origin to the training venue and back.

What contribution is expected from the participants?

• Participants who require a visa are expected to cover the costs themselves.
• All participants who do not require a visa and thus do not have visa expenses are expected to pay a participation fee of USD 30.
• All participants are requested to pay a Green Fee of USD15 to offset the carbon emissions from their travel. APAY uses this amount to fund projects to combat the effects of climate change.

Requirements and Registration

• Registrants shall have a background or some knowledge of the topics.
• Registrants must have passports valid for at least 6 months during the training period.
• The registrant should upload a scanned copy of the page containing the holder's information to the registration form.
• The selected participants will be responsible for processing their visa and travel insurance expenses.

Interested parties may register here:

• Registrants must register on or before March 26, 2025.
• When selected, the participants must process their visa application immediately (whenever applicable). We urge the selected participant to please send their confirmed flight details at least two weeks before the designated arrival date in Manila.