Shaping a sustainable future
We create sustainable change through youth participation. Young people take responsibility, actively shape their own future and ultimately help to strengthen society in the long term.
Youth participation is a central part of the work of terre des hommes schweiz. We are committed to ensuring that young people play an active role in shaping their own future. Involving young people in decision-making processes strengthens their responsibility and helps to empower them, which strengthens democracy in the long term.
Young people are the decision-makers of tomorrow. Their voices must be heard in order to shape development effectively and in a sustainable way. Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees every child and young person the right to express their views in all matters affecting them. This forms the basis for our work – the active involvement of the target group in all relevant decisions. Participation means more than just having a say. It promotes self-interest and acceptance of development projects, which is crucial for their success and sustainability.
Involving young people in democratic processes is an important step in promoting stable and peaceful societies. Young people who take responsibility and have a say at an early age actively contribute to a democratic and just system as adults. Participation not only strengthens the individual development of young people, but also promotes social cohesion and long-term stability in the communities in which we operate.
In addition to the benefits for society, participation also has direct benefits for the young people themselves. It strengthens self-confidence, helps with the development of identity and gives them the opportunity to develop important skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation skills.
At terre des hommes schweiz, we involve young people in project development right from the start – from brainstorming, planning and implementation through to the project evaluation stage. During this process, we always focus on the needs and resources of the young people involved to ensure that they can participate in an appropriate and effective manner.
Our partner organisations around the world are committed to ensuring that young people have a say in all areas of their society – be it at school, in healthcare facilities or in politics. We help them to set up youth councils, consultations or round tables that give young people a platform to make their voices heard.
We are convinced that youth participation is the key to fair and sustainable development. Support our work and help us to give young people the opportunity to actively shape their own future.
terre des hommes schweiz
Kasernenhof 8
4058 Basel