NGOs in Youth Empowerment: Role, Impact, Challenges, Importance

NGOs in Youth Empowerment: India is home to one of the youngest populations globally, with more than 65% of its citizens below the age of 35. This demographic dividend presents a unique and unparalleled opportunity for the country’s development. The energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives of the youth are indispensable assets that can be harnessed to propel India into a new era of innovation and progress.

August 12th is celebrated as the International Youth Day, the world over. On this day in 1985, the United Nations recognized empowering youth as an integral part of society. The UN also acknowledged that the energies of the youth need to be harnessed effectively in a productive manner.

Despite holding such importance, millennials often face hurdles daily, with their energy still not being channelled in the right direction. In India, we have the ‘National Youth Policy’ that has been designed to effectively address the problems faced by our youth and the related solutions.

This policy expresses the vision the country has for our youth; it also identifies objectives and priority areas that are addressed and considered extremely important by the Government.

What is Youth Empowerment?

Youth empowerment is the process of involving the youth and the young population in the decision-making of a community. As the realisation that the youth has a voice that a community should listen to; it also presents an avenue through which they can make their voices heard and recognize the power that they have.

It is important because we need to give youth the push they need to take control of their future. We need to equip them with the right tools to make better decisions for their future.

Young people, who are frequently viewed as the leaders of the future, are increasingly acting as the catalyst for societal change. They are priceless resources in the process of creating a more just and sustainable world because of their dynamism, inventiveness, and idealism.

Activism and Advocacy

In a number of social movements, young people have taken the lead in promoting causes including equality, human rights, and climate change.As a result of their activity, important social concerns are frequently brought to light and policies are changed.

Participation in the Community

By offering assistance and support to people in need, young volunteers make a substantial contribution to the development of communities. A lot of young people are launching businesses that solve social issues and make money at the same time.

Also Read: UNDP and Its Partnership with India

Technology and Innovation

Young people are using technology to create creative responses to societal problems like environmental sustainability, healthcare, and education. Youth can effectively raise awareness and rally support for social problems by utilising social media platforms.

Cultural and Educational Exchange

Youth exchange initiatives promote tolerance, understanding, and cooperation among different cultural groups.Through activities, young people from various backgrounds can share ideas and best practices.

Mentoring and the Development of Youth Leadership

Young leaders serve as role models for others, encouraging them to get involved in social change. These help younger generations grow as leaders by offering them direction and encouragement.

Plight of Modern Youth

Some of the challenges faced are as follows-

Lack of access to education and training: In many developing countries, the youth do not have access to quality education and training. This limits their ability to get good jobs and participate effectively in the workforce.
High unemployment rates: Young people often face high unemployment rates, which can lead to frustration and disillusionment.
Lack of opportunities: The lack of opportunities for the youth can be a major challenge. They may have the desire and motivation to work but lack the opportunity to do so.
Poverty: Poverty is another major challenge faced by the youth. Poverty limits their access to education, training, and job opportunities, and makes it difficult for them to escape the cycle of poverty.

Also Read: Role of UNESCO in Education

Youth’s Power: An Agent of Change

Young people, who are frequently viewed as the future, are increasingly acting as the catalyst for social change. Their limitless enthusiasm, creative thinking, and unshakable determination make them a potent force for change.

Important characteristics of adolescents that influence their impact are:

Passion and Enthusiasm: A strong feeling of purpose and the desire to change the world are common motivators for young people.
Creativity & Innovation: Their novel viewpoints and openness to trying new things can result in ground-breaking answers to pressing societal issues.
Digitally Savvy: Young people are skilled at connecting, communicating, and organising around social problems using technology.
Social Consciousness: A lot of young people have strong feelings about social justice, inequality, and climate change.

How Do NGOs Contribute In Fostering Youth?

Among the myriad of factors contributing to youth empowerment, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a pivotal role.

NGOs for youth empowerment are independent, non-profit organisations dedicated to addressing social issues, often with a focus on a particular cause or group. Many NGOs worldwide are committed to youth empowerment, making it their mission to create a brighter future for the younger generation.

Here’s how NGOs in India act as catalysts of positive change in the realm of youth empowerment:

1. Providing Educational Opportunities

NGOs are instrumental in expanding access to education and improving its quality. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and skills training, they ensure that young individuals have the opportunity to develop their intellectual and personal capabilities.

2. Fostering Economic Inclusion

Many NGOs for youth empowerment focus on economic empowerment by offering entrepreneurship training, micro-loans, and job placement programs. By providing the tools for financial independence, these organisations help young people break the cycle of poverty.

Also Read: Role of NGO in Women Empowerment in India

3. Promoting Health and Well-being

Health is a fundamental component of youth empowerment. NGOs support access to healthcare, promote mental health awareness, and combat issues such as substance abuse and sexual health concerns. A healthy individual is better equipped to pursue empowerment opportunities.

4. Encouraging Civic Engagement

Engaging in civic activities is a cornerstone of youth empowerment. NGOs inspire young people to participate in community development, volunteer work, and advocacy, fostering a sense of social responsibility.

5. Mentoring and Personal Development

Many NGOs for youth empowerment offer mentorship programs that help young individuals build their self-esteem, develop life skills, and set and achieve personal goals. These programs empower youth to overcome challenges and setbacks.

Top NGOs Working For Empowering Youth

Akshara Centre

It provides education, skills training and job opportunities for young women from disadvantaged sections of society. It empowers them and encourages them to be financially independent. The NGO has worked tirelessly to give young girls the confidence to fight discrimination and violence and to build their vision of a more equitable society.

Also Read: Role of NGOs in Skill Development

Pradan

PRADAN which stands for Professional Assistance for Development Action was set up in 1983 by two young professionals Deep Joshi and Vijay Mahajan. They took a novel approach to poverty eradication and empowerment of the youth of India. They came up with the idea of engaging educated youth in rural development activities, thus creating the framework for a symbiotic relationship between the young in urban and rural India.

Milaan Foundation

Milaan Foundation stands as one of the most significant organisations working for the empowerment of young girls in India. The NGO has impacted the lives of over 40,000 girl students in over a decade and continues to expand its programmes across the country.

The NGO believes in ensuring education for girls as a catalyst to enable women to become agents of social change. This will also lead to their development and economic growth. Milaan focuses on educating adolescent girls from marginalised communities as the cornerstone of its ‘Girl Icon’ programme.

Vivekanand Youth Program

The NGO has a wide array of interventions focused on providing education and healthcare to underprivileged children and youth. Vivekananda Youth Forum, in the last 35 years since its inception, has touched the lives of thousands. The NGO has made the teachings of Swami Vivekananda its founding principles

Youth India Foundation

At Youth India Foundation (YIF), they are dedicated to empowering youth and fostering positive change. They assist underprivileged students by providing scholarships, mentorship, and career guidance to ensure access to quality education.

Also Read: Role of UNICEF in Education

As we march towards the 100th anniversary of our independence, let us recognize the power and agency of our youth. They are the torchbearers of our dreams, the harbingers of a radiant future.

To quote former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action.” It is through their dreams and actions that the vision of a Dream India @2047 will be realised.

Let us unite as a nation, inspire the youth, and together forge a path towards a resplendent future where India shines as a beacon of hope and progress.