Adolescent and Youth Engagement Session 4 and 5 © UNICEF/UN074393/Al-Issa

Principles and Definitions Adolescent and Youth Participation can be defined as adolescent and young girls and boys (individually or collectively) engaging with opportunities to form and express their view and to influence matters that concerns them directly or indirectly. PARTICIPATION The rights-based inclusion of adolescents and youth in areas that affect their lives and their communities across all stages. "Engagement" is closely linked to "Participation", though differs in being a broader articulation of the public-facing aspect of participation. ENGAGEMENT The outcome by which the target individuals, as change agents, gain the skills to impact their own lives and lives of other individuals, organizations and communities and realize/demand fulfillment of their rights. EMPOWERMENT

Sector specific second decade programming Sectors should articulate interventions to address adolescent and youth needs in line with sector-specific approaches. Some of the key sectors related to second decade programming: PROTECTION LIVELIHOODS AND FOOD SECURITY SOCIAL COHESION HEALTH

Systematic participation of adolescents and youth in a project/programme cycle

Adolescent and Youth Engagement The objectives of adolescent and youth engagement are: to give voice and choices to develop conducive environments to help them in positively influence their lives, families, communities and societies “The tragedies of the past seven years have taught me something about myself. Even in the grimmest situations, losing people I love, I have found new strength to move on. I can’t surrender to the circumstances around me. I have to keep following my dreams. I am not simply a survivor. I am the creator of my own destiny." Rawd, 19, Syria

if Then adolescents and youth Inclusive societies Theory of Change: Approach: focus on young people’s strengths, instead of their deficits. It views young people as a resource Adolescents & Youth are in a safe & supportive environment that supports inclusive policies & strategies with: Structured Capacity/Asset Development Meaningful Engagement/ Experience Mentoring – positive sustained relationships with adolescents and adults Then adolescents and youth WILL BE Empowered to become agents of change WILL HAVE A Successful transition to adulthood WILL BUILD Inclusive societies

Principles and Basic for Young People’s Participation

TRANSPARENT AND INFORMATIVE Young people must be informed of their right to freely express their views with the expectation that those views will be given due consideration. TRANSPARENT AND INFORMATIVE Young people should never be coerced into expressing views and be able to easily cease involvement without consequences. VOLUNTARY Young people's views have to be treated with respect with opportunities to initiate ideas and activities. RESPECTFUL Enable young people to draw on their knowledge, skills and abilities to express their views on issues of real importance to their lives. RELEVANT Adequate time and resources should be made available to ensure young people are prepared and have the confidence and opportunity to contribute their views. YOUNG PEOPLE-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS AND WORKING METHODS

SAFE AND SENSITIVE TO RISK Engagement and participation must avoid existing patterns of discrimination and model cultural sensitivity to young people from all communities and backgrounds INCLUSIVE Adults need preparation, skills and support to effectively facilitate young people's engagement. SUPPORTED BY TRAINING Adults have a responsibility to the young people they are working with, and must take every precaution to minimize the risk to young people of violence, exploitation or any other negative consequence of their participation. SAFE AND SENSITIVE TO RISK Feedback and a commitment to follow-up and evaluation is essential. Young people are entitled to clear feedback on how their participation has influenced any outcomes, be given opportunities to participate in follow-up processes or activities. ACCOUNTABLE

Do No Harm ‘Do No Harm’ principles must be adhered to: Avoid creating or exacerbating conflict and insecurity Avoid exacerbating disparities and discrimination Take into account the special needs of the most vulnerable groups (IDP, children, young people with disabilities…)

Ensuring Inclusion of the Most Vulnerable Young People Some young people are particularly subject to multiple vulnerabilities and violations of their rights, social exclusion and discrimination Adolescent and youth engagement must seek the involvement of those most vulnerable or at risk young people, for example: Young people with disabilities Girls Refugee youth Working children

The Checklist

Session 5 Principles and Basic Requirements for Young People’s Participation and Engagement Exploring the Principles (inclusion to be discussed within the group work) Checklist to be used as a resource and assessment of principles of participation/engagement of org in the group (40 min) Plenary (20 min) Feedback, Review and discussion