At a glance
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Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps helps young people develop market-driven capabilities and access opportunities in order to secure income and develop a sense of Responsibility, Identity, Creativity and Hope (become RICH). Ultimately, our goal is to see young people transition into global citizens who are responsible for and capable of building secure, productive and just communities at home and around the world.
Today, half the world's population is under 25 – the largest proportion of young people ever recorded. 80% live in developing countries where economic, civic and social opportunities are insufficient to address the diverse needs of transition to adulthood. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) predicts that in the 2009-2015 period, around 300 million new jobs will have to be created just to absorb the growth in the labour force . Global peace and prosperity will be determined by how well this youth bulge is integrated into both the labour force and social fabric. Because employment alone cannot absorb such a surge in labour supply, youth energy must be channeled towards other productive activities in their community. Our greatest challenge today is to provide young people with the capabilities and opportunities they need to drive and sustain development. Fortunately, young people are hungry to make a difference and represent an extraordinary window of opportunity to propel profound change in the world.
To learn how we help youth rise to the challenges of the modern world, take a look at the following information:
India October 11, 2011 2:05PM
Youth Entrepreneurship in Kashmir: Challenges and Opportunities
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The attached document was produced by Mercy Corps Kashmir in July 2011 and is part of the Start-Up Kashmir Youth Entrepreneurship project in Kashmir (SKYE program).
Japan September 15, 2011 10:37AM
Comfort for Kids Japan materials
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Comfort For Kids helps mitigate the psychological and social impacts children experience after disasters. Comfort for Kids trains adults on a variety of techniques to support children and uses a core book called What Happened to Our World. The materials posted here were modified from the version originally created by Jim Greenman and are owned by Bright Horizons.
Following the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, Mercy Corps has been working with our partner Peace Winds Japan to help children and communities recover from the disaster. The original version of What Happened to Our World was adapted for use in Japan as part of the Comfort for Kids programme. Both an English and a Japanese version of the adaptation are included.
Cover of the Japanese version of the workbook.
February 18, 2011 2:36PM
Youth and Conflict Best Practices
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Mercy Corps believes youth are a force for positive change — the generation that can help transition their countries into productive and secure nations. However, youth are the primary participants in conflict today. The reasons they participate in conflict are multi-dimensional — they lack economic opportunities, political voice and a sense of belonging or connection to their communities. Often the only way young people can imagine changing their predicament is through violence. In our programmes, Mercy Corps catalyzes youth’s desire for change into positive outlets. This publication is a sample of Youth and Conflict Best Practices and Lessons Learned drawn from Mercy Corps’ programmes, other agencies, donors, think tanks and researchers.
West Bank and Gaza October 13, 2009 8:42AM
Comfort for Kids — Gaza Youth Support Materials
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Mercy Corps West Bank and Gaza is proud to announce the publication of three Comfort for Kids (C4K) resources: a new children's workbook for children who experienced the Gaza War, and two pamphlets to help support the needs of children experiencing anticipatory anxiety.
September 9, 2009 2:26PM
Youth Development Sector Approach
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This document and related attachments highlight in full detail how Mercy Corps structures its approach to Youth Development as well as giving a comprehensive explanation of the challenges and opportunities that youth face.
April 6, 2009 8:19AM
Youth Transformation Framework
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Our Youth Transformation Framework™ (YTF), built from research across disciplines and 25 years of field experience, provides a comprehensive view of youth needs in complex transitional environments. The framework always presents both perspectives critical in youth development: the ‘demand’ for skills and behaviours (i.e. capabilities) from society and the ‘supply’ of accessible opportunities required to meet such demand.
