Youthcentred

Youthcentred refers to an approach that prioritizes the needs, perspectives, and active participation of young people in decision-making processes, program design, and service delivery. It is rooted in the belief that young people are capable agents of change and possess valuable insights that should inform interventions affecting their lives. This philosophy moves away from traditional adult-led models where youth are passive recipients of services. Instead, youthcentred practices aim to empower young people, foster their autonomy, and ensure that services and programs are relevant, accessible, and effective from their point of view.

Key elements of a youthcentred approach include genuine engagement, where young people are involved from the initial stages of planning to evaluation. This means creating safe spaces for them to express their opinions, contribute ideas, and take on leadership roles. It also involves respecting their diverse experiences, backgrounds, and aspirations, and adapting approaches to meet individual and group needs. The ultimate goal is to enhance the well-being, development, and agency of young people by ensuring they have a meaningful voice and influence in matters that concern them. This can be applied in various settings, such as education, healthcare, social services, and community development.