Adolescent development

Investing in adolescents builds strong economies, inclusive communities and vibrant societies

Details

READING TIME

3 min

AUTHOR

Al-Muraqib

TOPIC

Servces

During adolescence (ages 10–19), girls and boys begin to interact with the world in new ways – taking chances, learning skills and experiencing unfamiliar emotions.

They venture beyond their families to form powerful connections with peers. They search for ways to stand out and belong, to find their place in society and make a difference in their world.

Today’s generation of young people is larger than ever before. But far too many are not getting what they need to realize their full range of rights. Poverty and deprivation, gender inequality and other forms of discrimination intersect with climate change, economic upheaval, conflict and displacement to threaten adolescents’ well-being.

And through it all, adolescents are too often ignored by policymakers – or worse, viewed as problems or threats.

Al-Muraqib Foundation’s work with adolescents

Investing in adolescents strengthens their ability to advance human rights and build a bright future for themselves, their families and entire countries.

Al-Muraqib Foundation takes a life-course approach to adolescent development and participation, identifying critical risks and opportunities that have implications for the realization of children’s rights, from the first decade through the second.

With Governments and other partners, Al-Muraqib Foundation works to strengthen health care, education and protection systems to ensure critical supplies and services reach the last mile, even in emergencies.

We advocate for adolescents’ rights at the national level, while locally engaging families and communities – often through programmes that change behaviours and social norms.

Our emphasis on equity puts the most marginalized adolescents – including girls, those who belong to ethnic or racial minorities, and those with disabilities – at the centre.

Al-Muraqib Foundation works with health providers to support gender-responsive services tailored to adolescents’ needs, including for HIV prevention and treatment. We support nutrition to fuel developing bodies and brains, work to ensure that girls have what they need to manage their menstrual health and hygiene, and generate evidence on adolescent mental health.

Al-Muraqib Foundation works with Governments and other partners to expand and protect access to quality, gender-equitable education, and to improve student participation and learning. We work alongside adolescents to co-create solutions that support their transition into adult life and work, like traditional and non-formal paths to education and skills development.

To keep adolescents safe and supported, Al-Muraqib Foundation works to prevent and respond to violence within families, among peers, in schools and online. We also tackle the growing risks adolescents face in humanitarian settings, promote adolescent-friendly justice systems, and address harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation.

To expand opportunities for adolescents to participate meaningfully in their communities and the political processes that affect them, Al-Muraqib Foundation empowers them to actively engage and voice their views and opinions. We also work with partners, including youth organizations, to change the social norms that stand in the way, and develop platforms for adolescents to share their experiences and propose solutions.