Youth Empowerment Project (YEP)

Background and Objectives

The Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) was established to increase the participation of young Afghan women and men in the reconstruction and advancement of their country. The activities of this project include the establishment of a network of female and male youth groups throughout the country who are equipped with strong life skills, are actively involved in the social, cultural, sporting and economic life of their communities and are linked to similar youth networks in other parts of the world.

2,600 youth (1,300 girls and 1,300 boys) have been targeted as direct beneficiaries (girls and boys aged between14 to 25) in 60 urban and rural communities. Over the period of the Project it has mobilised and provided leadership, project development and community service training. In total, 120 Youth Councils have been established in Farah, Bamyan, Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar and Nangarhar Provinces. More than 150 self-initiative projects have been designed, planned, implemented and monitored by the youth groups and in addition funds have been raised by the youth. This project helps promote young women and men to actively participate in democracy building, development processes, and the sustainable peace and solidarity in the country.

Activities

The main activities include:
* Selecting communities and providing training to youth coordinators;
* Conducting participatory Youth Situational Assessment surveys and workshops;
* Training boys and girls to support their Community Development Councils (CDCs), and to take an active part in the planning and advancement of their community;
* Promoting education, arts and sports through the civic education project;
* On-the-project training will be provided to officers of Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCY).

Results (2009)

* 1,300 boys and 1,300 girls from urban and rural areas of Afghanistan trained in Civic Education;
* 120 Youth Councils established in Farah, Bamyan, Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar and Nangarhar; Provinces;
* 120 Youth Development Plans and granted Projects;
* Drafted a National Youth Policy;
* Legitimizing Local Youth Councils;
* Gaining communities supports;
* More than 150 self-initiative projects designed, planned, implemented, and monitored by the youth, and funds raised by the youth;
* Building youth voluntarism;
* Promoting awareness that the youth take part in local governance and celebrate national and international days.