Wednesday, June 25, 2014

YOUTHS ARE KEY INSTRUMENTS FOR STABILIZATION THE NATION; “A SUCCESS CASE STUDY OF BAMYAN YOUTH RESOURCE AND INFORMATION CENTER”

Background:
In Afghanistan 68 percent of the population is below 25 years of age. A significant portion of this falls in the category of youth (i.e. between 15 and 24 years), who have experienced long spells of conflict and exile. This is a particularly vulnerable lot, at a major crossroads today, seeking direction and bearing. 

On one hand, the youth population of Afghanistan must be empowered and provided with alternatives and opportunities to ensure they do not grapple with unemployment, low wages, and other kinds of oppression. On the other hand their fresh perspectives, their energy, enthusiasm and fortitude need to be channelized for promoting peace and development in Afghanistan. This enormous reservoir of human capital must therefore be trained to become good citizens, to be able to provide effective leadership in the country’s political, business and civic arena, in the near future.  Meaningful civic engagement of the youth will be an important outcome to evaluate their positive development.


Objectives:
        i.            Provide essential life-skill training and exposure through interactive platforms to improve knowledge, awareness, attitude and efficiency among youth.
      ii.            Equip youth with the knowledge and skills around IT to improve accessibility and adoption of new technologies.
    iii.            Promote and disseminate civic education among youth to enhance their  civic engagement in order to make responsible citizenship, fully aware about their rights and entitlements.
     iv.            Encourage sports and cultural activities to engage youth in a healthy, wholesome participation of life.
       v.  Support campaigns around public good for improving and extending community development services through youth.
Major Activities:
aThe following major activities are carried out by this resource center;
a.      Select communities and provide essential life-skill training around communication, attitude and leadership building
b.      Create periodic interactive, exposure-enhancing platforms by organising workshops and seminars to encourage exchange of ideas.
c.       Provide computers and internet access and improve computer knowledge as well as awareness around social media.
d.      Provide civic education and build critical knowledge around rights and responsibilities of effective citizens.
e.      Execute awareness campaigns and rallies around targeted issues.
f.        Provide youth counselling, both personal and career related.
g.      Promote cultural and sports activities through special and periodic events.

Area of services:
The major areas of services provided by the “Youth Resource and Information Center” is
A. Computer lab, net and printing facilities
                                  i.            Social Media access
                                ii.            ICT Training and practice
                              iii.            Printing, photocopying and  scanning
B. Meeting/Training Hall:
                                  i.          Conference facilities including a projector and screen
                                ii.          Notice/Information boards
                              iii.          Stationary support
C. Library:
a.      Books sorted according to themes, and adequate youth employment related information
b. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials including posters, magazines, pamphlets, audio tapes, documentaries for youth and various youth organizations in Bamyan.
D. Sports tournament and cultural activities
a.      Conducting provincial level sports tournament
b.      Organizing youth festival
c.       Organizing cultural debates  and competition
Expected Outcomes 
        i.            Healthy exchange of ideas and constructive debates raised through exposure to social media and other exchange programs
      ii.         Increased awareness and understanding of social issues and preservation of cultural heritage.
    iii.            Increased awareness amongst youth activist groups on political and social issues.
     iv.            Increased participation of youth in the development and political processes.
       v.            Increased levels of mental and physical fitness.
    vi.            Enhanced skills and improved employ ability opportunities.


Bamyan Youth and Resource Information Centre


Provincial Deputy Governor Mohamad Aablhia Mobakhil, Director of Youth and Culture Zakhil Aahmad and AKF Bamayna team including Nahakul K.C., cutting the ribbon to formally inaugurate the Youth Centre in Bamyan




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