World Development Report Highlights CEDPA Program

Oct. 5, 2006—The World Bank’s annual World Development Report this year spotlights CEDPA’s Better Life Options program in India as an outstanding example of ways to improve young people’s ability to find meaningful work and make better life decisions.

The report, which focused on problems facing the planet’s 1.3 billion young people between 12 and 24, noted that youth make up half the world’s unemployed, and that two-thirds of the world’s 130 million young illiterates are female. In addition, young people account for nearly half of all new HIV infections, and 13 million adolescent girls give birth each year.

These barriers can lead to a lost generation of youth. The World Development Report recommended that governments expand opportunities for young people, improve their capabilities and offer second chances to those who have fallen behind through difficult circumstances or poor choices.

CEDPA’s approach is working, the World Bank said: “Analysis of India's Better Life Options program, which provides information on reproductive and health services and vocational training to young females aged 12-20 in urban slums and rural areas, shows that youth in the program were significantly more involved in key life decisions than those who were not.”

Since 1987, CEDPA’s Better Life program has targeted out-of-school young women and boys with reproductive health information, vocational training and recreational opportunities. The goals have been to break down gender stereotypes and increase support for girls’ education. The program also offers leadership training to increase self-esteem, confidence and a sense of self-worth.

By partnering with more than 260 local organizations, CEDPA has reached some 160,000 adolescents in 11 Indian states. The results for boys and girls alike have included delayed marriage age, increased skill in decision-making, increased use of reproductive health services and better knowledge of reproductive health care.

Learn more about CEDPA’s approach to youth development.

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