Youth as assets for development.

At 1.7 billion todays youth comprise the largest generation ever to enter the transition to adulthood. Yet limited access to employment further education and work opportunities generates disempowerment an increased sense of fatalism and disengagement for millions of young people. Despite recognition of the concept of youth as resources for development most programs targeting youth tend to focus on services that remedy deficiencies in education skills and training. By recognizing the potential to harness existing assets and opportunities within young people to affect both individual growth and community development youth service programs present an alternative that provides constructive structured opportunities that benefit society as a whole. By identifying and addressing local needs youth engaged in service make important contributions to communities while reinforcing positive views of young men and women as assets rather than burdens to the collective well-being. Many of these programs meet local communities needs for essential services help youth make successful transitions into adulthood and allow young people to utilize and strengthen their existing capacities as part of an engaged citizenry. (excerpt)