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Best practices

When programs work….defining effectiveness.

WHY a Summit on programs for children and youth?

Youth development programs play an important role in the lives of millions of young people throughout the world. At the heart of these programs is a quest to support the positive development of children and young people as they acquire the skills and competencies to be full, productive, and good citizens of their communities and society in general. Youth development programs help young people deal with the day-to-day challenges of growing up while at the same time providing them with the skills and resources which will enable them to play a positive role in society. (Dubas and Snider, 1993; Pittman, 1991) Youth development programs are not just important to young people, they also offer positive possibilities for young people, their families, their communities and society in general.

The healthy development of a child will be accomplished through the contribution of his parents, families, school, religious institutions as well as other community institutions. Those programs could supplement the contribution of these institutions or in cases, where these systems are weak or even non-existent; the programs could fill the gaps.
WHAT we consider to be a Sustainable Best Practice in a children or youth program:
  • A best practice must be effective in that it has a positive impact on the life of the child;
  • Its effectiveness is dependent on the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the program, effectiveness can be defined in terms of the values and priorities as well as the social, political and economic conditions of the area where the program is implanted.
  • The programs must define the specific practices and concepts which contribute to its effectiveness;
  • It will have a positive goal;
  • It will allow a young person to develop skills at all levels (physical, cognitive, social, vocational, moral….)
  • It will provide positive reinforcement to the young person;
  • It will provide the young person with a supportive all encompassing environment;
  • It will provide long lasting relationships with peers and adults;
  • It will focus on the total person and not just the problem;
  • It will focus on the root causes of the problem and not just the symptoms;
  • It will focus on long term solutions and not just quick fixes;
  • It will focus on prevention rather than remediation;
  • It will focus on early intervention and prevention;
  • It will advocate for broader social change.
The goals such programs must aim for involve allowing young people to develop
  • A strong self esteem;
  • A sense of responsibility and resilience (ability to flourish in spite of adversity);
  • A sense of belonging;
  • Skills which will allow youth to become self-sufficient;
Framework for effective programming
The structure of the programs must fall within a specific framework. However, it must be noted that each program will be designed according to the context, its distinct character and way of functioning. The situation of young people differs from one country to the next and even from one community to the next. The framework for the programs could be applied in a different way in order to maximize the intended results. Each program could therefore apply the framework in the manner that is most appropriate to the type of work. Furthermore, it must be noted that the programs are set up with unequal tools and resources.
Organizations should structure their programs by adhering to the following criterion:
  • Young people should be involved in its development and implantation;
  • The social context should be considered;
  • Methods of evaluation should be used;
  • There should be discussion in order to determine how to advance.