Academy for Educational Development

AED developed a program that generates civic activism by mobilizing communities to organize themselves to address shared community priorities. Using individual communities as the basic building blocks of our program, we are building from a community to a cluster of communities, to the marz (regional) level and finally to the national level. Youth are the strategic focus of this program as a youth focus connects all elements of society and contributes to sustainability by developing young leaders as catalysts for change. By focusing a community*s attention on retaining and engaging its youth, the community can rally to support the youth in their endeavors to improve their community. We are organizing community Youth Action Clubs (YACs) that are developing local initiatives to improve their communities. We support the YACS in building their capacities to gather local resources, address community concerns, organize at the regional and national level, and advocate for funding and programs. We provide training to youth on core democracy, leadership and life skills areas, as well as on other topics desired by the youth. We equip them with the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to carry out their initiatives for community improvement. Each community YAC will have an Action Center in the local school as the base of their operations. In other communities we are organizing Community Action Advisory Committees (CAACs) comprised of adults. CAACs will also receive training and assistance with organizational development to engender civic activism and responsibility. The ultimate goal of the project is to improve democratic governance in Armenia by expanding civic participation, with a focus on youth and adult involvement. An activated and mobilized citizenry that requires accountability of its government is a vital component for Armenia*s transition to full democracy. Generating civic activism among Armenia*s young men and women and adults and rallying communities to address public issues will be crucial steps in achieving this goal.












The objectives are:











A. Increased civic activism among young men and women:











* Increased awareness by youth of their rights and responsibilities in democracy with particular emphasis on youth outside of Yerevan.











* Increased youth activism and involvement in decision processes.











* Concrete mechanisms and models that demonstrate how young men and women can effect change.











* An increase in young women*s political participation and influence in society.














B. Increased community involvement in addressing public issues:












* Concrete mechanisms developed for citizen input at community and local government levels. * Increased capacity of citizen groups to develop public issues.











* Increased grassroots activities throughout Armenia.











* Increased pluralism in Armenia.













During the first year, we established Youth Action Clubs (YACs) and 20 20 Community Action Advisory Committees in 40 villages. Each YAC and CAAC is guided through an integrated development planning process to determine initiatives the youth might want to pursue. This process will include community youth mapping and will allow the youth and adult groups to work together toward a common goal.











YACs and CAACs will receive training to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to undertake initiatives to address community issues and needs. Training programs will include topics such as how to use and maintain a computer, life skills, civic awareness, business development and community service.











In July of the first year a week-long summer camp was held for youth who have demonstrated the most initiative and leadership in the preceding year. The camp included a variety of academic, programmatic, social, cultural and athletic activities.











A Project Website has been established and YACs and CAACs are posting information on their activities.