Youth engagement

Youth engagement means involving kids and teenagers in things that affect their lives, like programs, policies, and activities that help them grow and learn. It’s like inviting them to be part of a big grown-up decision-making party where everyone’s ideas and opinions matter.

Say, for example, a school wanted to involve their students in creating after-school programs. They would ask the students what kind of activities they like, maybe art, sports, or games. The school would then use the students’ ideas to make programs that really interest them. Then, the students would feel more connected to their school and be more likely to participate in these programs.

Another example is if a city wanted to improve their parks. They might invite kids and teenagers to give their opinions on what they’d like to see in the park. Maybe there are more swings or slides that they would like to see. The city would listen to their ideas and make the changes happen which will make the park a better place overall for everyone.

Youth engagement is important because it helps young people feel valued and respected. It also helps them feel like they have a say in what happens in their lives. When kids and teenagers feel like they’re part of the decision-making process, they’re more likely to be happy, confident and develop new skills.