Youth Educational Program
About us
The Youth Education Program (EPJO) helps young people make smart choices and stay away from crime. The program was set up by Gerard Zwarts and Peter Faber, together with the Public Prosecution Service and the Judiciary. The aim is to reduce the number of young people who come into contact with the law by making them aware of the consequences of their choices and teaching them social skills.
EPJO introduces young people to the human side of the police and explains how law enforcement and emergency services work. Through open discussions, trust grows and young people learn how they can contribute to society in a respectful and responsible manner.
During the program, young people are given tools to deal with difficult situations in a positive way and are encouraged to make good choices for their future.
Together, we are building a safe and respectful society.
Vision
At the Youth Education Program, we believe that young people are the future. At the same time, we understand that it is becoming increasingly challenging for them to discover and develop their identity in a complex society.
It is worrying that in 2023, more than 40,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 23 came into contact with the police and the justice system as suspects in criminal offenses. This represents 1.6 percent of all young people in that age group. Factors such as upbringing, domestic violence, and environmental influences play an important role in this.
For this reason, it is essential to teach children at an early age to understand the consequences of their choices. This understanding extends beyond themselves—it also has an impact on their environment and potential victims.
Our interactive teaching program helps students learn about rules, authority, and respect. The goal is to make them aware of the importance of values, norms, and decency. These principles form the basis for making well-considered and responsible choices.
Method
Standards, values, decency, and choices
During the lessons, young people learn that the police not only enforce the law, but also help where necessary. The police are therefore not only there to enforce rules, but also to support and protect people.
Our lessons are clear and sometimes confrontational, but always relevant to the experiences of young people. We want them to think about their choices and the consequences for themselves and others.
At EPJO, we help young people make good choices, take responsibility, and contribute to a safe society.
Objectives
Crime prevention
The main goal of EPJO is to prevent crime among youth. We show youth the consequences of criminal behavior and teach them to make good choices. In this way, we contribute to a safe society.
Countering radicalization
We warn young people about the dangers of radicalization and deception. We also help them to think critically and protect themselves against extremist ideas.
Awareness and insight
EPJO helps young people understand why they exhibit certain behaviors and what the consequences of those behaviors are. We make it clear that good choices have positive consequences and bad choices have negative consequences.
Strengthening skills
We provide young people with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and others from crime and radicalization. We encourage them to choose positive solutions and resist negative influences.
Positive self-development
We help young people develop a positive self-image. We motivate them to use their talents and shape their future in a positive way.
The EPJO management team
The EPJO management team consists of:
- Peter Faber and Jesse Faber, Executives, Peter Faber Foundation.
- Gerard Zwarts, program manager EPJO, Amsterdam Police Department.
- Audrey Dobber, project manager EPJO and Buddy project, Peter Faber Foundation.
From left to right: Jesse Faber, Peter Faber, Gerard Zwarts and Audrey Dobber (standing)
Organizations involved
The Judiciary
The judiciary is an independent organization that deals with legal issues. Judges listen to both parties, examine the evidence, and make a decision. They ensure that legal rules are followed and that people are treated fairly. The judiciary protects the rights of individuals and contributes to a just society.
Public Prosecutor's Office (OM)
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) is responsible for enforcing criminal law in the Netherlands. Within the EPJO (Youth Educational Program) and the Public Prosecution Service) program, the OM works together with other organizations to make young people aware of the consequences of their choices. Public prosecutors play an important role in this. They ensure that the legal aspects are presented realistically and credibly during the court hearings within EPJO.
Peter Faber Foundation
The Peter Faber Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 2008 by Peter Faber. Its mission is to enable everyone, regardless of background, disadvantage, or disability, to make the switch from destructive to creative energy. The foundation develops and implements customized creative projects for various target groups. Their expertise in theater and education brings a unique and interactive dimension to the lessons, conveying the message in an inspiring way.
The Amsterdam Police
The Amsterdam Police is an essential partner of EPJO. Police officers play an active role in the EPJO program. They visit classrooms and discuss topics such as theft, bullying, violence, making choices, and the dangers of social media. With their experience and expertise, they bring the reality of police work closer to young people and emphasize that the police are not only there to enforce the law, but also to provide help and care.
The Judiciary
The judiciary is an independent organization that deals with legal issues. Judges listen to both parties, examine the evidence, and make a decision. They ensure that legal rules are followed and that people are treated fairly. The judiciary protects the rights of individuals and contributes to a just society.
Public Prosecutor's Office (OM)
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) is responsible for enforcing criminal law in the Netherlands. Within the EPJO (Youth Educational Program) and the Public Prosecution Service) program, the OM works together with other organizations to make young people aware of the consequences of their choices. Public prosecutors play an important role in this. They ensure that the legal aspects are presented realistically and credibly during the court hearings within EPJO.
Peter Faber Foundation
The Peter Faber Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 2008 by Peter Faber. Its mission is to enable everyone, regardless of background, disadvantage, or disability, to make the switch from destructive to creative energy. The foundation develops and implements customized creative projects for various target groups. Their expertise in theater and education brings a unique and interactive dimension to the lessons, conveying the message in an inspiring way.
The Amsterdam Police
The Amsterdam Police is an essential partner of EPJO. Police officers play an active role in the EPJO program. They visit classrooms and discuss topics such as theft, bullying, violence, making choices, and the dangers of social media. With their experience and expertise, they bring the reality of police work closer to young people and emphasize that the police are not only there to enforce the law, but also to provide help and care.
