Many effective youth programs center around public safe spaces where youth can share ideas, learn new skills, and have constructive use of their non-school or work time. Having a safe space allows youth to connect with others who may be facing similar experiences and challenges. As a consequence, safe spaces can lead to healing, empowerment, and resilience. Garnered from global research, this toolkit, provides resources and examples of constructive youth safe spaces (YSS), including after-school programs (ASP) and youth centers (YC). These are collectively referred to as YSS/YC/ASPs throughout this toolkit. These programs provide a set time and place for youth to engage with each other and in activities that range from education to sports to civic engagement. USAID is committed to developing resources that help youth in their Positive Youth Development (PYD) journey. Learn more about PYD at YouthPower.
This toolkit helps readers:
- Understand the components of strong models for YSS/YC/ASPs
- Learn how to design and improve programming effectiveness using evidence-based principles and practices
- Learn how to create sustainability through ongoing monitoring and improvement practices
- Learn how to improve your resource mobilization to scale your program
- Know where to find resources for youth programming and curricula available online