The United Nations defines youth as ages 15-24, and their studies show that the majority of the world’s youth reside in Asia at 60%. The UN identifies 15 priority youth issues They are: 1) Education, 2) Employment, 3) Hunger and Poverty, 4) Health, 5) Environment, 6) Drug Abuse, 7) Juvenile Delinquency, 8) Leisure-time Activities, 9) Girls and Young Women, 10) Full and effective participation of youth in the life of society and in decision-making, 11) Globalization, 12) Information and Communication Technologies, 13) HIV/AIDS, 14) Youth and Conflict, 15) Inter-generational Relations.
A theme is named each year for International Youth Day and this year’s theme is “Transforming Education.”
Mission Generation has been successful in addressing many of the priority youth issues mentioned above. Results of lowered drug use, improved graduation rates, less gang activity, and a more conducive atmosphere in the classroom for learning are impacting countries where MG curriculum are implemented. MG is truly “transforming education.”
As we recognize this day, consider these 2 things:
1) Who is in your circle of influence in this 15-24 year-old age bracket?
2) How could you make a difference in their life?
Maybe you can mentor a youth in a way that their parents cannot—listen to them and speak into their lives. Maybe you don’t have a close relationship with someone in this age category, but you can make a donation to invest into the lives of youths through Mission Generation. If so, click here. You will make a difference! There are many youths who are in need of someone just like you!