Adolescent Development and Participation
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© UNICEF Egypt/ Noorani/2007 |
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Young Egyptians have limited access to information on health and social issues |
Adolescents constitute one quarter of the population, but their interests tend to be neglected. Access to relevant information and more involvement in civic life is necessary for their present and future well-being and useful participation in Egypt’s development.
Projects:-
Life Skills for Young People
Young people and adolescents have limited access to information to guide them through this transitional period and lead healthy lifestyles. A peer education life skills programme is being supported at youth centres to address this gap as well as a pioneer counseling service where trained youth counselors provide guidance and support to young people and assist them in making key and informed decisions regarding their futures. The life skills and counseling components are implemented in 30 youth centres – managed by the National Council for Youth – with potential for expansion. Around 10,000 young people are reached annually by both components in ten governorates of Egypt.
Civic Education Programme
Young people often feel that they do not have much of a role in their society. The national Civic Education Programme, with the National Council for Youth, seeks to provide young people with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to participate in social and political life based on a special manual tailored to the Egyptian context. The programme covers issues related to human rights, participation, volunteerism and citizenship. Reaching 4,000 young people each year, the programme is implemented through civic education centres managed by the National Council for Youth with potential to expand into schools.
Youth-led Initiatives
Young people have limited opportunities for participation and their opinions tend to be undervalued in their communities. UNICEF-supported youth-led initiatives give young male and female groups planning, research and fund-raising skills to enable them to access their communities and better implement youth-led initiatives. Young people not only gain critical social development skills, but also have a chance to show their potential in contributing to the development of their communities.
Policy and Advocacy
Updated and comprehensive data on young people is in general lacking. UNICEF with the UN and the Population Council will support the government in undertaking a national survey on young people. The survey will look at issues affecting young people including health, education, gender issues, participation and civic engagement, and provide better evidence for relevant policy and advocacy. Media links will also be strengthened.
