The Potential Development of Model Youth Crating for Peace in Multi-Religious Areas in Three Southern Border Provinces

Abstract

This research aimed (1) to study the lifestyle patterns of youth living together with peers of different religions in a multireligious context in the three southern border provinces, (2) to analyze the potential of youth in creating peace in multireligious areas, and (3) to develop the potential of model youth in creating peace in such areas. The research employed a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires administered to a group of 100 youth, while qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 16 key informants, as well as from observation and the implementation of activities to develop the potential of model youth, involving 60 participants.

The research findings revealed that (1) the overall lifestyle patterns of youth living together with peers of different religions in multireligious areas were at a high level. When ranked by mean scores from highest to lowest, they included adherence to religious principles (x̄ = 4.28, S.D. = 0.80), self-development in peacebuilding (x̄ = 4.27, S.D. = 0.75), knowledge about peacebuilding (x̄ = 4.18, S.D. = 0.80), peaceful communication (x̄ = 4.12, S.D. = 0.82), and participation with peers of different religions (x̄ = 4.12, S.D. = 0.90). Most youth had positive attitudes toward peaceful coexistence in a society characterized by religious and cultural diversity and were able to accept differences, adapt themselves, and participate in activities that promote mutual understanding.

(2) The potential of youth in creating peace in multireligious areas comprised five dimensions: potential in knowledge about peacebuilding, potential in peaceful communication, potential in participation with peers of different religions, potential in self-development for peacebuilding, and potential in adherence to religious principles.

(3) The results of developing the potential of model youth indicated that the youth demonstrated peaceful communication behaviors at a good to excellent level and had a high level of satisfaction with the activities. These findings reflect that youth in multireligious areas have the potential to become an important driving force in creating peace and to serve as a fundamental base of a peaceful and sustainable multicultural society.