For this collection of stories, 13 young people provided their stories on how engaging with and working at Youth Development Centres (YDCs) benefitted their personal lives and shared their thoughts on how YDCs should operate to help more young people.
An important delivery channel for UNFPA's youth development interventions is the multipurpose Youth Development Centres, which were handed over to the government's ownership after successful piloting by UNFPA from 2013 to 2017.
Supported by UNFPA, YDCs are run by the Government of Mongolia to deliver services for young people to build resilience, gain life skills, and realize their potential as shapers and leaders of Mongolia's future.
YDCs offer a safe and fun space for young people to access support groups, youth participation activities, regular life skills classes, and counselling. Based on the community's needs, supplementary programmes are also offered and may include English language classes, free internet access points, and interest clubs for music, art, dance and sports.
While providing valuable development opportunities, these services also help to draw participants into the life skills training offered at the centres.
Furthermore, YDCs provide referrals to youth-friendly health services, including sexual and reproductive health education, treatment, and counselling.
Over the years, many young people, including marginalized groups, such as youth with disabilities, unemployed youth, and young mothers, received services at YDCs nationwide. They participated in life skills training at YDCs, focusing on improving their skills in communication,
self-confidence, planning, decision-making, and stress management. This has contributed to young people’s development, ability to adapt to new environments, and positive behaviour, enabling youth to deal more effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.
