YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The contribution of young men and women in building the nation is immense. IYS salutes the youth power and has taken up various initiatives to use the energy in a positive way. The organization with its rich experience of working with young people has evolved strategies to involve youth in the process of community development. The hilly parts of Orissa are threatened with endemic poverty and gradual deterioration of natural resources and livelihood opportunities, creating a threat to nature. Shaping the potential of the youth towards sustainable development is a felt need in the social development sector, without which the foundation of village reconstruction is unfulfilled. The present societal trend for the youth is full of competition as the issue of globalisation creates new opportunities for them. In such a situation, the rural youth are vulnerable owing to the fact that they are not academically strong enough to handle the situation.
1. Formation of youth network- A youth network has been formed in the district of Khurda with an intention to bring the youths on one forum and orient and channel their energy in a positive direction. The network is named Orissa Youth Solidarity. Specific interventions have been taken up to capacitate the youth towards developing their self-confidence and helping them become self-reliant.
The various youth programmes done for them include-
Promotion of traditional handicrafts – an attempt has been made to involve the youths in the promotion of traditional handicrafts and artefacts.
Youth Development – dealing with large-scale migration of youth was a challenge taken up by the organization. To attain the objective, various unemployed youths were given training in various skills and trades.
Youth Development – motivating the youths to go in for blood donation camp was the main aim of organizing the camp.
Youth Development –Sports and cultural activities were organized to inculcate among the youths a sense of belonglingness towards the village as well as helping them to uphold national integrity and communal harmony.