Help St. Andrew's Refugee Ministry (Youth LEAD Project)

St. Andrew's Refugee Ministry (Youth LEAD Project)

Hanson, Massachusetts

Cause Description:
The Youth LEAD Project is a participatory, demand-driven program of St. Andrew's Refugee Services that was designed, implemented, and is managed by youth under the age of 26. LEAD offers programs specifically to youth after identifying a gap in existing programming for refugees in Cairo, Egypt: most refugee schools and associated programs only serve those still in school (often with an age ceiling of 20), while community and tribal associations are limited to adults (culturally defined as those who are married). For most refugee youth, college education is financially beyond their reach without donor sponsorship and refugee service organizations are, sadly, unable to offer those on a structured or regular basis. LEAD was developed to address the key areas where refugee youth identified needs – Leadership, Education, and Access to Development. Many refugee youth in Cairo grow into adulthood away from home and their families, coping with the effects of flight, war, and persecution without the support structure that help young people become productive adult members of their community. As a result, these young men and women face psychological and emotional problems that normal youth can only begin to imagine, while also being denied access to opportunities for work, education and social support because of their age and status as refugees. Because of this situation, these young men and women are particularly susceptible to psychological and social issues including memberships in gangs, illegal income strategies (theft, prostitution) and violence. We believe in addressing the root causes of these issues by helping find solutions to the underlying social and economic causes and empowering youth to be knowledgeable leaders in their communities. To achieve these goals, we are committed to: 1. Developing Safe Spaces for Youth 2. Providing Access to Education and Skill-Building Programs 3. Developing Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills through Sport and Hip-Hop 4. Offering Psycho-Social Services and Education Tailored to Youth 5. Providing Leadership Education Through these commitments the Youth LEAD Project works to create positive and safe environments for displaced young adults in Cairo, Egypt. Our centers link youth to existing opportunities, offer demand-driven programming, and equips young men and women with tangible skills to help them avoid violence, crime, and to make positive life choices.

Type: Business/Professional
Listed on iGive since: November 2009
iGive members supporting: 1

Website: www.standrewsrefugeeservices.org

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