Youth Development
-
Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps helps young people develop market-driven capabilities and access opportunities in order to secure income and develop a sense of Responsibility, Identity, Creativity and Hope (become RICH). Ultimately, our goal is to see young people transition into global citizens who are responsible for and capable of building secure, productive and just communities at home and around the world.
Today, half the world's population is under 25 – the largest proportion of young people ever recorded. 80% live in developing countries where economic, civic and social opportunities are insufficient to address the diverse needs of transition to adulthood. The International Labor Organization (ILO) predicts that in the 2009-2015 period, around 300 million new jobs will have to be created just to absorb the growth in the labor force . Global peace and prosperity will be determined by how well this youth bulge is integrated into both the labor force and social fabric. Because employment alone cannot absorb such a surge in labor supply, youth energy must be channeled towards other productive activities in their community. Our greatest challenge today is to provide young people with the capabilities and opportunities they need to drive and sustain development. Fortunately, young people are hungry to make a difference and represent an extraordinary window of opportunity to propel profound change in the world.
To learn how we help youth rise to the challenges of the modern world, take a look at the following information:
All stories about Youth Development
-
Nigeria: Adolescent Girls in Northern Nigeria: Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Opportunities April 26, 2013
Adolescent Girls in Northern Nigeria: Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Opportunities Profile profiled 1,800 adolescent girls (ages 15 to 19) and private sector actors across the northern Ni
-
Yemen: Promoting Youth Employment in Yemen April 18, 2013
In 2013, Yemen’s youth sit at the forefront of a new revolution.
-
Somalia: Examining the Links between Youth Economic Opportunity, Civic Engagement and Conflict February 1, 2013
Somali youth hold the potential to contribute to positive change in their country. However, currently they are also the majority of the participants in militant and criminal groups.
-
Jordan, Lebanon: Youth from Jordan and Lebanon promote cultural heritage August 8, 2012
Mercy Corps Lebanon and Jordan implemented the European Commission-funded project “Foundations for a Strong Future: Youth in Lebanon and Jordan Promote Cultural Heritage” in partnership with four l
-
Kosovo: Support for Kosovo’s Young Leaders April 23, 2012
From October 2008 to January 2012, Mercy Corps implemented the three year SKYL program to help young people from Kosovo‘s diverse communities become active participants in creating a viable, shared
-
Civic Engagement of Youth in the Middle East and North Africa February 24, 2012
In the wake of the Arab Awakening, Mercy Corps and other agencies are grappling with the question: How can the recent surge of self-assertion and of political activism by Arab youth be harnessed to
-
India: Youth Entrepreneurship in Kashmir: Challenges and Opportunities October 11, 2011
The attached document was produced by Mercy Corps Kashmir in July 2011 and is part of the Start-Up Kashmir Youth Entrepreneurship project in Kashmir (SKYE program).
-
Japan: Comfort for Kids Japan materials September 15, 2011
Comfort For Kids helps mitigate the psychological and social impacts children experience after disasters.
-
Youth and Conflict Best Practices February 18, 2011
Mercy Corps believes youth are a force for positive change — the generation that can help transition their countries into productive and secure nations.
-
West Bank and Gaza: Comfort for Kids — Gaza Youth Support Materials October 13, 2009
Mercy Corps West Bank and Gaza is proud to announce the publication of three Comfort for Kids (C4K) resources: a new children's workbook for children who experienced the Gaza War, and two pamphlets