Forging Connections:
Click here to read on-going columns, addresses and articles authored by IPM's Executive Director, Joseph F. Cistone.
Theme: Youth
The needs of youth (defined by the United Nations as individuals aged 15-24) are just as evident in the developing world as they are in the industrial world. Young people need means of education, awareness of health issues facing their generation, and leadership opportunities to shape them into agents of social change. The population of developing countries is younger than ever, often with more than 50% of the total population under age 25. 18% of all young people in the world – 209 million – live on less than $1 a day. An additional 306 million live on less than $2 a day.
The current generation of youth is the best educated generation the world has ever seen. Even so, 113 million youth that could be in school are not, and 130 million are illiterate. Consequently, the rate of unemployment is high among young people – currently at a record of 88 million. Northern Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and western Asia are areas with the highest rates of youth unemployment. Young people are also unequally represented in HIV/AIDS statistics, as over half of new HIV infections worldwide are occurring in young people between 15-24 years old, and over 60% of these occurring in young women.
Other pandemics, such as drug use, are also occurring in youth of developing countries as they have limited economic and educational opportunities. Recent trends have shown an unprecedented increase in the use of synthetic drugs among young people, with the level of demand in developing countries matching that of industrialized countries. Even so, youth development professionals remain hopeful. According to the Academy for Educational Development, “youth should be seen as partners and resources needing access to support and opportunities as they learn and mature.”
Sources:
United Nations (2005). World Youth Report 2005. New York: United Nations.
www.aed.org
IPM’s Children category of Projects focuses on one or all of the following initiatives:
• Youth health needs
• Youth Protection from violence and cultural practices
• Youth education & mentorship
Some of IPM’s most successful Youth Projects include:
• Bride Rescue Project, Kaijado, KENYA
• Fundacion Aragon, Zaragoza, EL SALVADOR
• Teen Night School, Managua, NICARAGUA
• Eastern Shoshone Youth, Ft. Washakie, WY, USA
• Youth Enrichment Program, St. Louis, MO, USA
The current generation of youth is the best educated generation the world has ever seen. Even so, 113 million youth that could be in school are not, and 130 million are illiterate. Consequently, the rate of unemployment is high among young people – currently at a record of 88 million. Northern Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and western Asia are areas with the highest rates of youth unemployment. Young people are also unequally represented in HIV/AIDS statistics, as over half of new HIV infections worldwide are occurring in young people between 15-24 years old, and over 60% of these occurring in young women.
Other pandemics, such as drug use, are also occurring in youth of developing countries as they have limited economic and educational opportunities. Recent trends have shown an unprecedented increase in the use of synthetic drugs among young people, with the level of demand in developing countries matching that of industrialized countries. Even so, youth development professionals remain hopeful. According to the Academy for Educational Development, “youth should be seen as partners and resources needing access to support and opportunities as they learn and mature.”
Sources:
United Nations (2005). World Youth Report 2005. New York: United Nations.
www.aed.org
IPM’s Children category of Projects focuses on one or all of the following initiatives:
• Youth health needs
• Youth Protection from violence and cultural practices
• Youth education & mentorship
Some of IPM’s most successful Youth Projects include:
• Bride Rescue Project, Kaijado, KENYA
• Fundacion Aragon, Zaragoza, EL SALVADOR
• Teen Night School, Managua, NICARAGUA
• Eastern Shoshone Youth, Ft. Washakie, WY, USA
• Youth Enrichment Program, St. Louis, MO, USA
Youth
| Name | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Artistic and Cultural Development Center | Puerto de La Libertad | El Salvador |
| Bride Rescue Project | Kajiado | Kenya |
| DEEDNET Youth Scholarship Support | Dandora | Kenya |
| Eastern Shoshone Youth | Fort Washakie, WY | USA |
| Fundación Aragon | Zaragoza | El Salvador |
| Project Lakota | Ogala, SD | USA |
| San Martin de Porres (Fundacion SASEL) | Zaragoza | El Salvador |
| Shining Scholars | Boot Heel, MO | USA |
| Teen Night School | Managua | Nicaragua |
| Youth Enrichment Program | St. Louis, MO | USA |