Youth Development

The One Love Foundation, established in 2010 in memory of Yeardley Love (a college student killed by her ex-boyfriend), educates young people about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships to prevent dating violence. Using a train-the-trainer model, the foundation has reached 500,000+ participants through film-based workshops like "Escalation." The curriculum identifies "10 Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship" (intensity, manipulation, sabotage, guilting, deflecting responsibility, possessiveness, isolation, belittling, volatility, betrayal) and "10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship" (comfortable pace, trust, respect, fun, healthy conflict, honesty, independence, equality, taking responsibility, kindness). Programs serve 4th grade through college age. Resources include facilitator training, lesson plans, trusted adult guides, and a digital relationship abuse campaign addressing online warning signs.

A free, anonymous digital messaging platform empowering 37 million young people in 102 countries to share opinions and drive community change. Launched in Uganda in 2011, U-Report integrates with SMS, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, Viber, and WhatsApp to reach youth where they are. During emergencies like COVID-19 and mpox outbreaks, U-Report disseminates life-saving health information. In DRC alone, over 8 million U-Reporters receive critical health, nutrition, and hygiene messages. Features include mental health chatbots, civic engagement polls, and community feedback mechanisms.

UN Office of Counter-Terrorism's flagship youth program in Southeast Asia and East Africa building young people's capacity to participate in P/CVE policymaking. Includes three components: training young religious leaders in interfaith dialogue (Empowering Dialogue and Interfaith Networks - EDIN); equipping young media makers with strategic communication skills for online counternarratives (Young Leaders for Online PCVE); and supporting youth participation in national and regional P/CVE action plans.

UNICEF's mobile engagement platform using AI chatbots to amplify youth voices globally. Launched in 2011, it connects over 39 million young people across 90+ countries via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and other platforms. During COVID-19, U-Report chatbots disseminated factual health information and countered misinformation. The platform conducts polls on health, climate, and education, with insights shaping policies globally. In Brazil, the "Pode Falar" AI chatbot (Ariel) provides anonymous mental health support to 90,000+ young people.

A pioneering digital sexuality education platform by RNW Media reaching 40+ million young people in countries where sex education is censored. Operating across India, Kenya, China, Egypt, and Arabic-speaking regions since 2011, Love Matters provides non-judgmental information on relationships, safe sex, STIs, and reproductive health through culturally-tailored websites and social media. In Kenya, it became one of the most-visited websites, partnering with newspapers and using music/drama for outreach. Love Matters Arabic is the only dedicated SRHR platform in the Arabic language for youth.

A global media literacy initiative teaching critical thinking skills to identify and reject misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, and manipulative content through peer training, educational curricula, and community workshops.

A global youth-led initiative founded by Kofi Annan empowering young people to prevent violent extremism through peer-to-peer approaches. Operating across South/Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Sahel, the program has trained 10,000+ young people in PVE and engaged 15,000 in dialogue activities. Young leaders develop local chapters and lead community initiatives including intergenerational dialogues, artistic performances, and awareness campaigns promoting 'togetherness' as counter-narrative to extremist ideologies.

A targeted P/CVE program in Kenya's coastal counties (Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu) working with high-risk individuals vulnerable to violent extremist organization recruitment. Uses a diagnostic approach to identify at-risk youth without stigmatization, then delivers 5-month integrated intervention packages including mentorship, trauma counseling, sports, livelihoods training, and governance dialogues. Research showed 22% reduction in likelihood of justifying violence and 20% increase in participants' sense of agency.

WHO's global social media campaign combating COVID-19 misinformation through the 'infodemic' response. Leveraging TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, the campaign partnered with influencers and celebrities worldwide to counter false health claims with accurate information. Featured viral dance challenges, myth-busting content, and shareable graphics translated into dozens of languages. The campaign specifically targeted youth populations most active on social media platforms, using humor and pop culture to make health messaging engaging and shareable.

An intercultural leadership program cultivating youth leaders for dialogue, cohesion, and peace since 2010. Participants attend intensive training workshops, develop community-based action plans, and upon implementation become recognized 'Ambassadors' committed to peace and conflict resolution.

A global movement empowering children aged 8-12 with comprehensive digital citizenship skills through the gamified DQ World platform, teaching eight core competencies including digital identity, cyberbullying management, and critical thinking.

A comprehensive global initiative building critical thinking skills to navigate misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated content. Includes the Global Alliance for Partnerships on MIL (GAPMIL) with 100+ countries, annual Global MIL Week, MIL CLICKS social media initiative, and curricula for educators worldwide.

Young Africa Works is the Mastercard Foundation flagship strategy to enable 30 million young Africans (predominantly women) to access dignified work by 2030. Operating in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda, it strengthens TVET systems, supports labor market development, and enables access to finance. The Kenya TVET program offers skills certification and Recognition of Prior Learning. Nigeria focuses on agriculture, creative industries, and digital economy sectors.

FIFA 11 for Health is a school-based health education program using football to deliver 11 key health messages to children aged 10-12. Piloted in Malawi and scaled across African countries, the curriculum covers disease prevention (HIV, malaria, TB), non-communicable diseases, hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity. Studies show improved knowledge of both communicable and NCDs, increased physical activity levels. Local coaches trained in health protocols deliver sessions combining football skills with health education.

Generation is a global nonprofit launched by McKinsey in 2014 addressing youth unemployment through intensive 4-12 week boot camps combining technical, behavioral, and mindset skills. Operating in 13+ countries across healthcare, technology, customer service, and skilled trades, the program uses a demand-driven model identifying employer needs first. 83% of graduates are employed within 90 days, earning 2-6x their previous income. Curriculum focuses on breakdown moments that differentiate high performers.