Academy for Educational Development
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Investing in Young People for the Future of Armenia
Investing in Young People for the
To better engage young people in Armenia’s civic life, AED is working with youth there to strengthen their ties to their local communities. Whether getting medicine to those who need it or coordinating local sports tournaments, youth are taking leadership roles in their towns and villages and gaining valuable skills in the process. “Democracy in Armenia is still in its infancy,” said Mark Ketcham, vice president and director of the AED Center for International Training. “Armenians are still learning their roles, responsibilities, and rights within a democracy. Youth, in particular, are discovering new ways to be active citizens.” AED works directly with youth groups to take civic action, initiate community development, and develop their leadership skills under the USAID-funded Youth and Community Action Program (YCAP). YCAP has established youth clubs in 20 communities and has initiated a variety of local development activities. “The youth are having a great impact on people’s lives through their initiative and energy,” said Ketcham. For example, the village of Araksavan lacked a local source for medicine, so the young people forged an agreement with a pharmacy in a nearby community. Now the medicine gets to Araksavan within a day—and at a 30 percent discount.
“These activities are fundamental for youth to redefine their sense of community,” said AED’s Chief of Party Nicholas Bruno. “They support the development of civic participation at the grass-roots level and help youth to see they have a role in the future of their community.” |
To address the lack of sports opportunities in Sarnaghbyur, youth there organized an all-day athletic competition for more than 60 young people. Young people in Aragats sought community input on the best ways to spend the local budget. As a result, funding went toward a much-needed bridge and sports equipment for youth.
