The Future is YOU(th)

The statement “Young people are the future” resonates across diverse platforms, emphasizing the role of young people in shaping tomorrow’s world. As we collectively acknowledge the importance of youth in building a just and brighter future, it’s essential to recognize that not all young minds have equal access to opportunities that foster their personal growth and potential. As we consider this, SIT stands out in its commitment to this cause and is dedicated to working with both, young men and women by inspiring them to embrace healthy lifestyles and supporting their journey to become the best versions of themselves. 

The “Future 4 Youth” Project

Young Men Initiative Movement “Future 4 Youth” is a project that aims to bring diverse voices of civil society, citizens, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to address and advocate for violence prevention, and gender equality, and to equip young men and women with life skills education and healthy lifestyles across the Balkans. This requires a systemic approach to consistently work with young people to develop these skills, through a wide range of programs which are Program Y, Program Y+, and Program E.

SIT is currently implementing Program Y in high schools in Prishtina such as Technical High School “28 Nëntori”, and Program E in elementary schools such as “Naim Frashëri”, however, Program Y+ is designed for young people who find themselves at risk due to various challenging circumstances, currently being implemented at the Correctional Service.

If you read the term ”youth at risk”, it arrays vulnerable situations, from struggles with substance abuse, academic setbacks, and delinquency to dealing with health issues such as mental health disorders; depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, Program Y+  involves young people who face risks related to the family environment or behavioral problems, and conflicts with the law, as well as those involved in social welfare treatment or justice institutions.

These youngsters are often overlooked when it comes to other young people because of the challenges they face. Some of them made wrong choices or ended up being in difficult situations, however, everyone deserves a second chance to grow and to make things right.  By centering on this often overlooked group,  we acknowledge something fundamental: the idea that young people truly are the future. Therefore, it’s important to take real action to make it true for everyone, especially those who face tougher challenges. See, the thing is, being the future isn’t just about being young. It’s about the potential we all have inside us, the power to grow, learn and change. The “Future 4 Youth” project is an example of giving a chance to everyone to grow and develop, both personally and professionally. It’s about understanding that everyone, no matter where they’ve been, has the potential to create positive change. It’s the journey of transformation that counts.

Through the strategic implementation of Program Y+, we aim to create a society, in which the potential of young minds is our most invaluable resource, regardless of their circumstances, and can flourish and lead the way into a promising future. This is a journey not just of education, but of transformation, a journey that holds the power to shape not only individual lives but youth in general.

Movie Night at the Correctional Service

Through workshops of Program Y+, we aim to encourage young people to develop skills that will give them the confidence to reach their goals. This includes teaching them the importance of making good decisions and how to become positive role models in their communities by understanding the value of pursuing an education. By providing young people with these resources and tools, we are helping them make the most of their potential and create a brighter future for themselves.

As part of the Program Y+ workshops, this month’s highlight was organizing a movie night featuring “Coach Carter” in the Correctional Service in Lipjan. This biographical teen sports drama explores ethics, academics, and the transformative power of mentorship. By selecting this film, we aimed to create a secure and open space for participants to connect, engage, and reflect. The movie night wasn’t just about entertainment, it was an effort to create an environment where the participants could exchange their opinions, and perspectives and share their aspirations for the future. We strive to create a safe space for them to express their creativity, share their experiences, and realize their dreams. We believe this is the key to creating a better tomorrow and fulfilling our mission of creating a more equitable society.

As we move forward, let’s carry this journey ahead, which might be challenging at times, but for these young people, each small step, each movie night contributes to overcoming obstacles and rewriting their stories, showing that transformation is possible, no matter where you come from.