Today’s youth population (aged 15-24) of 1.2 billion people represents the largest cohort ever to enter the transition to adulthood.
The majority of these young people, 88%, live in rural or disadvantaged areas, and the numbers will practically double in the least developed countries. These young people are the world’s next generation and a unique asset. If properly nurtured, they can act as engines for economic and social progress.
When local and regional policies and programmes fail to reach young people, particularly disadvantaged youth, and fail to give them a voice in decision-making processes, the youth bulge may well apply a brake to economic and social development, leading to increasing poverty, illegal migration, failed citizenship, or worse, social unrest.
Youth participation mechanisms are less explored (and used) in rural settings: we know little of the effectivity of rural participation, even less so for youth in remote areas and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
The RURAL YOUTH INCLUSION PROGRAM of EYNCRIN takes a multisectoral approach to help countries better respond to the aspirations of young people, and strengthen their involvement in national development processes.
The Program addresses the determinants of youth vulnerabilities, as well as successful transitions towards evidence-based policies that promote youth inclusion and youth well-being.
The program focuses on four areas of youth well-being: employment, education, health, and civic participation.