Our Key Guiding Principles for youth development are rooted in the belief that every young person possesses inherent value, talent, and a purpose to discover and enjoy. These principles emerged through thoughtful discussion and analysis of successful youth development programmes, aiming to create a framework that maximizes impact for all stakeholders. Central to these principles is the conviction that youth are not problems to be solved, but individuals with untapped potential that development programs should help unlock.
We emphasize a holistic approach to development, addressing the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, and communal aspects of an individual’s growth. Building a strong foundation of self and character is essential to navigating the complexities of life and a globally interconnected world. We also challenge the traditional view of “soft skills”—such as communication, empathy, and resilience—arguing that these foundational abilities are anything but secondary, or easy, and should be developed alongside “hard skills.”
The 12 key guiding principles are:
- People Have Purpose
- Words Matter
- Develop the Whole Person
- Community Matters
- The World Around Us Impacts Us
- People Are Talented
- Solid Foundations Build Sustainable Futures
- Make Your Own Decisions
- People Need Support
- Skills Develop When Practiced
- Skills Develop When Practiced
- Learning is Life-long
These core principles guide our approach to youth development and serve as the foundation for creating a positive and lasting impact on young people’s lives.
Please complete the form to download Our Key Guiding Principles (excerpt from Youth Development Re-imagined Report 2020)
