Our Vision

The Youth LEAD Project envisions transformed refugee youth communities by encouraging young adults to become positive role models and leaders both in their host countries and countries of origin. Through programming that targets young men and women, youth will build upon their natural abilities and skills to shape their own futures and the futures of their communities for years to come.

 

Project Description

Many refugee youth in Cairo grow into adulthood away from home and their families, coping with the severe trauma 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 problems, including memberships in gangs, illegal income strategies (such as theft, prostitution) and violence. We believe in addressing the root causes of these problems 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 these activities:

• Developing Safe Spaces for Youth
• Providing Access to Education and Skill-Building Programs
• Developing Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills through Sports and Hip-Hop
• Offering Psycho-Social Services and Education Tailored to Youth
• Providing Leadership Education

Through these activities, the Youth LEAD Project works to create positive and safe environments for displaced young adults in Cairo, Egypt. Our social and economic empowerment centers link youth to existing opportunities, offer demand-driven programming, and equip young men and women with tangible skills to help them avoid violence, crime, and to make positive life choices.

 

How Organizations Can Help
Youth Lead is always looking for new organizations and groups with whom to partner and work, in order to expand our programming and services. If this is of interest to you, get in touch with us!

 

If you or your corporation would like to talk about a larger donation, or sponsoring one of our programs, contact our director at n.forcier@youthleadproject.org

 

How Individuals Can Help

Like the sound of Youth LEAD’s mission and want to help? There’s lots you can do! If you’re currently in Cairo, we accept volunteers English teachers in our educational program and are always looking for more staff. Contact volunteer@youthleadproject.org for more information.

 

Not in Cairo or don’t have time and want to help? Donate! Like any other organization, it takes money for Youth LEAD to run and fulfill its mission. You can help us by giving a tax-deductible donation via St. Andrew’s Refugee Services (details on Home page).