Youth Resource Centre (YRC) for the urban slum youth of Delhi

The Issue

Young people between 12-24 years constitute approximately one-third of the population. They are a heterogeneous group and situation and needs differ by age, gender , martial status, region, religion and cultural context. Youth is relatively healthy period life, and the mortality and morbidity experienced in these ages is largely behaviour-related.

Patriarchal norms and gender differential characterize the lives of young people and limit the autonomy of young females in India, and are reflect in the critical demographic indicators such as literacy, mobility employment and mortality.



Issue faces by the youth in the slum area
  • Health Risks- Physical, emotional and sexual health
  • Early Marriage- For many girls in India early and arrange marriage is the norm.
  • Growth and maturation- Proper nutrition in adolescence and early adulthood is important for healthy growth and maturation
  • Early unsafe sex- 20-40 per cent of adolescent males and more than 20 per cent of young females report onset of premarital activity.
  • Lack of contraceptive and condom use- Contraceptive use is low
  • Unintended pregnancy, abortion and infection- High rates of unwanted pregnancy are experienced among young women
  • Sexual Violence- Molesting, harassment and forced sex
  • Substance Abuse- Alcohol and drug abuseoften leads to greater vulnerability towards the risk of HIV transmission.
  • Lack of proper life and livelihood opportunities- make education livelihood related and should build self confidence and self reliance.
  • Lack of institutional support for counseling and guidance- often land up in conflicts and risky behaviour.
  • Lack of Recreational facilities- Recreation will refresh and relax the mind.
  • Gender discrimination- especially for female youth.
  • Promoting safer cities- Reclaiming public spaces and self defense for female youth.

Project Objectives

The objectives of the programme are identified as follows keeping in mind the need of intervention:

  • Detailed case analysis of the adolescents to trace out their specific needs, attitude, perceptions etc.
  • To create awareness on various aspects of health namely physical, mental and social, and facilitate a responsible and healthy behavior.
  • To provide psychosocial Counseling and career guidance including vocational training.
  • To conduct appropriate talent and psychological test to determine the status of the individual case for redressal of the problems.
  • To create an enabling environment for changing behavior for the youth in the society.


Geographical Area
Slums of LalBagh-Azadpur, North Delhi, India
Focus Group
Youth & Adolescents-12-24 years Male & Female/School going/Out of School

Intervention Strategies
  • Health Education
  • Life Skills Education
  • Peer Education
  • Vocational Guidance
  • Skill Development training
  • Facilitating job placement

Process

Two separate building spaces rented in the slums/near slums for running YRC which have meeting space, audiovisual equipments and Computers. It also have library and reading room for career guidance. Facility for undergoing vocational trainings like sewing, cutting, tailoring, computer training, English speaking, soft skills etc.

Project Activities
  • Setting up of counseling/career guidance Centre for both school going and out of school adolescents to cater to adolescents per month.
  • Counseling on Career, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS including reproductive health and other social evils.
  • Setting up a library cum information center for youth on education and health aspects.
  • Outreach Career melas for school going and non school going adolescents.
  • Recreational and social activities, celebration of national festivals.

Issues coverage
  • Career guidance including vocational training
  • HIV/AIDS, STIs and Reproductive health
  • Drug Abuse
  • Gender Discrimination
  • Non formal Education
  • Life Skills

End Points
  • At least 500 youth will be benefitted out of this project in a year.
  • Identifying and Establishing leadership amongst the youth. .
  • A group of young people, who sustain in the communities as Change Agents.
  • Responsible, safer and healthy choices in life.
  • Empowered and skilled youth having a decent livelihood and living a productive life.