Worldwide, youth have proven to be powerful agents of positive change within society and development, especially when the changes entail a better future for them.

However, if youth are faced with a lack of opportunities and are marginalized within society, often their energy goes untapped, their potential is unfulfilled, and in the worse-case scenario, they engage in destructive activities or violence. According to global statistics, unemployment among youth is two to three times higher than unemployment among adults and is often much higher within developing countries.

CHF's approach has three major components:

1. Increasing Economic and Employment Opportunities: CHF increases economic opportunities for youth through a variety of ways. Our approach goes beyond building just the skills needed for a job. We work to address youth's sense of belonging, pride and self-confidence to achieve. We increase opportunities for youth through apprenticeship programs within the private sector, community improvement programs, internships, market-driven vocational training, employment matching, training on professional preparedness, career counseling, and facilitating youth entrepreneurship.

2. Stimulating Entrepreneurship: CHF equips youth with productive skills that allow them to flourish as entrepreneurs. CHF designs programs that provide CHF International's programs include psychosocial support and activities for thousands of children to help them deal with the trauma of conflict and displacement. incentives for and rewards entrepreneurship. CHF instills the confidence within youth that allows them to think creatively and start-up businesses. CHF works to develop important linkages between education within the classroom and practical development of professional skills.

3. Developing Leadership and Catalyzing Civic Participation: CHF integrates youth in civic initiatives, community decision-making and extra-curricula activities. By encouraging them to participate in civic life, they gain a sense of belonging, have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership, and exercise their voice and rights within society. Examples of CHF initiatives in this area include environmental clean up projects, volunteerism, conducting business competitions, and building sports leagues.

Download the complete Fact Sheet above.