Tuesday, September 1, 2009
For more information, contact:
John Torres, Senior Public Relations Manager

SILVER SPRING, Md. \u2014While cases of bullying, gender\u2010based violence and other
related issues are increasing in Mongolia, limited understanding and research still
exists on how to effectively curb these problems, reported the Adventist
Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). A recent program instituted by ADRA
Mongolia is successfully helping instigators become part of the solution.

The Acting on Gender\u2010violence Awareness through Peer Education (AGAPE) project
is an ongoing program that is helping to halt bullying and other violence\u2010related
behaviors in primary schools in the capital Ulan Bator\u2019s low\u2010income areas, due to
the higher rates of bullying and other forms of youth violence reported there.

\u201cWe teach children how to deal with their problems in a constructive way, and how
to resolve conflicts between them in a peaceful manner,\u201d said Carly Fletcher of
ADRA Mongolia. The project also trains peer educators and adult educators with
essential life\u2010skills, teaching them how to communicate better and be more tolerant
of others.

Using this approach with the skills they learn, young people are better able to work together, creating a safe and constructive learning environment that also translates to conflict situations that may arise outside the classroom.

To raise awareness regarding gender\u2010based violence in the targeted community,
ADRA is integrating issues regarding gender\u2010based violence into all of their
community training programs, and other peer\u2010education based projects.

\u201cThere is a reluctance among young people to get help from their teachers and
school social workers because they think they can solve the problem among
themselves,\u201d added Fletcher. \u201cIf they do ask a teacher or a social worker for help,
they are likely to fall victim to more bullying.\u201d