What is Youth Development Work?

Introduction

Youth Development work plays a vital role in empowering young people, enabling them to navigate the challenges they face and ensure their active participation in society. In this article, I will explore the roles and responsibilities of a youth worker, as well as the Commonwealth Youth Programme's three main principles of youth development work: Enabling, Ensuring, and Empowering.

Who is a Youth Worker?

A youth worker is a professional who is passionate about supporting and advocating for young people. In many countries including Australia and UK, they work in various settings such as schools, community centers, or non-profit organizations, creating safe spaces where young people can grow, learn, and develop essential life skills. A youth worker serves as a mentor, guide, and facilitator, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and social development.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.???? Building Relationships: One of the primary responsibilities of a youth worker is to establish trusting relationships with young people. By providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment, they enable young people to express themselves freely and build a sense of trust.

2.???? Providing Guidance and Support: Youth workers act as mentors, helping young people set goals and develop strategies to achieve them. They listen actively, offer advice, and provide emotional support to help young people overcome challenges and make informed decisions.

3.???? Organizing Activities and Programs: Youth workers design and implement a range of activities and programs to engage young people. These initiatives may involve workshops, sports activities, cultural events, or community service projects, providing opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social interaction.

4.???? Advocacy and Representation: Youth workers advocate for the needs and rights of young people, raising awareness about their unique challenges and barriers. They represent young people's perspectives and actively work to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

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Commonwealth Youth Programme's Principles

The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) introduced three main principles of all youth development work. The principles are summarized in the following concepts: enabling, ensuring and empowering. National Youth Policy of Sri Lanka is also based those three principles.

1.???? Enabling: The principle of enabling implies creating an environment where young people have access to necessary resources, skills, and opportunities. Youth workers facilitate learning experiences, provide mentorship, and connect young people with relevant support networks to enhance their personal and professional growth.

2.???? Ensuring: The principle of ensuring involves safeguarding the rights and well-being of young people. Youth workers work towards creating an inclusive and safe environment, free from discrimination, violence, and exploitation. They promote equality, respect, and diversity while addressing the specific needs of marginalized or vulnerable youth.

3.???? Empowering: The principle of empowering entails fostering self-confidence, resilience, and leadership skills within young people. Youth workers empower young individuals by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources to actively participate in decision-making processes and become agents of positive change in their communities.

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Conclusion

Youth workers have a profound impact on the lives of young people, playing a crucial role in their development and empowerment. By fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and upholding the principles of enabling, ensuring, and empowering, youth workers contribute to building a more vibrant and inclusive society.

References

1.???? Commonwealth Secretariat. (2017) Youth Work in the?Commonwealth; A Growth Profession https://www.caywa.global/_files/ugd/e4dad1_4ce991a9dbb8457d93bf9744063129fe.pdf

2.???? Government of Sri Lanka. National Youth Policy of Sri Lanka. https://www.ou.ac.lk/sites/nypsl/YPEnglish-Book.pdf