The joint initiative was implemented between 2017 and 2020 and built upon CARE’s comprehensive programmatic efforts to combat interpersonal and gender-based violence (GBV), improve gender equality, and address the prevention of youth extremism and violence in the region.
The project aimed to foster positive and peaceful societies for young people in Serbia, Kosovo*, Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina by promoting gender equality and reducing interpersonal violence and extremism. Specifically, it sought to enhance the capacities of youth NGOs and governmental institutions to integrate Program Y—an accredited life skills educational curriculum—into national education and youth policy frameworks while strengthening efforts to support youth vulnerable to extremism.
Throughout its implementation, YMI II scaled up previous achievements by expanding advocacy efforts, fostering close cooperation with key stakeholders, and supporting movement and coalition building. This included engaging parents and citizens in gender equality-focused life skills education. The project also developed educational tools for scaling up such activities, including online education platforms and collaboration with universities to train new educators.
YMI II was implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Serbia, and Croatia, targeting youth—especially young men—who were vulnerable to violence and anti-social behaviors. Using a positive youth development and gender-transformative approach, it addressed social inclusion and the needs of vulnerable youth. The project strengthened key skills, knowledge, and attitudes that contributed to improved behaviors around gender-equitable norms and non-violence.
Building on previous gains, the project worked with Education and Youth Ministries and gender agencies in five countries, while also engaging new ministries, such as Social Welfare. The initiative furthered efforts to institutionalize Program Y as a mandatory part of school curricula, influencing educational policies and fostering stronger engagement with parents and civil society to prioritize youth education.
YMI II also sought to expand its reach by:
Over the three-year period, 242 elementary and high schools participated in the project, directly impacting 34,141 students and 1260 university students on 5 universities. A strong and competent network of youth organizations and activists, alongside active engagement from government institutions at all levels, contributed to the project’s sustainability and long-term impact. The project trained 1268 teachers and other schools staff and engaged 15 968 people in movement building activities. Ultimately, this initiative empowered young people in the Balkans both personally and professionally, enabling them to act as agents of change in their communities, regions, and at the national level, paving the way for a more equitable and non-violent future. In total, project directly engaged 287,306 people in activities.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo*, Albania, and Croatia.
The project is supported by the Government of Switzerland, Swiss Development Cooperation, Austrian Development Cooperation, CARE Deutschland, and Oak Foundation.
For additional information, contact us.
Supported by
