Community pathways for Afghan youth offer peaceful alternatives to extremism

Hundreds of social institutions operate across Afghanistan, focusing on community development, social stability, and long-term national progress through constructive civic engagement.

These institutions work on youth capacity building, assisting vulnerable families, promoting education, strengthening ethical religious understanding, and encouraging peaceful coexistence within diverse communities.

They represent practical alternatives for young people seeking purpose, belonging, and contribution outside the influence of violent extremist organizations.

Social institutions include charitable foundations, educational courses, sports clubs, poetry and storytelling programs, religious education classes, conflict resolution committees, and interprovincial youth sports competitions.

Across these spaces, young people play a central role in organizing activities, supporting communities, and modeling positive social behavior.

Their involvement has contributed to poverty reduction, improved public awareness, healthier lifestyles, and stronger community bonds rooted in cooperation and shared responsibility.

For instance, sports clubs operate in every province, drawing thousands of young people toward teamwork, discipline, and constructive competition instead of isolation or harmful influences.

Repeated successes by Afghan athletes in international competitions have strengthened national pride and reinforced youth interest in organized sports activities.

The role of youth in the country’s progress

The majority of the country’s population consists of young people who, unfortunately, suffer from unemployment and uncertainty.

However, youth participation in social institutions and public service organizations directly contributes to national development and social resilience.

Youth engagement in constructive activities can transform society and reduce harmful social behaviors, said Saleh Muhammad Qadiri, a sociologist in Herat province.

"These youths can bring themselves out of isolation and become involved in healthy social activities. Through sports and study, they can build their capacities and become a source of service to society," he said.

"These days, seeing the success of our young athletes in international arenas is very pleasing. They started from zero and, with motivation and perseverance, achieved these successes," he added.

Youth participation strengthens social cohesion, reduces violence-related harms, and creates opportunities for economic and cultural growth.

Civic engagement as a barrier to violence

Youth participation in social and charitable institutions strengthens youth's sense of responsibility and reinforces stability and social cohesion.

On the other hand, through this participation, young people can take part in social decision-making, highlighting their role in the country’s progress and development.

"Active youth can be the main drivers of local economies in communities and ultimately help develop the national economy. By joining social and economic institutions, young people have the capacity to transform the community’s economy," said Faisal Jahangiri, a social affairs analyst in Herat.

Greater youth participation reduces violence and social deviance while expanding meaningful civic engagement opportunities for all citizens, Jahangiri added.