Aug. 12, 2013 – In celebration of International Youth Day on August 12, Creative Associates International salutes its staff, partners and donors who are working together to provide opportunities and hope to disadvantaged young people around the world. (www.CreativeAssociatesInternational.com)
“The young people we work with, particularly in conflict and post-conflict areas, have amazing resilience and motivation,” says Charito Kruvant, President and CEO of Creative, a global development organization. “When young people feel a sense of ownership and empowerment in their lives, they can achieve so much for themselves and for their communities.”
Initiated by the UN in 1999 as an annual day of recognition, this year’s International Youth Day theme is “Youth Migration: Moving Development Forward.” There are some 27 million migrant youth, the UN estimates. Today, more than half of the world’s 7 billion people are age 30 and younger.
Creative’s Youth Programming
With 37 years of implementing global development programs – particularly ones that improve education – Creative is proud of its youth-centered initiatives that equip beneficiaries to lead the way in addressing violence, poverty and unemployment. (www.CreativeAssociatesInternational.com)
For example, Creative has established “Por mi Barrio” (For my Neighborhood) outreach centers to reduce crime and violence in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama. The centers provide youth with a safe space to gather, receive training in marketable skills, access academic tutoring and volunteer. Read more.
“Integrating youth is a key component of creating viable and sustainable development solutions,” says Kruvant. “They can be the most creative forces for social change.”
About Creative Associates International
Creative Associates International works with underserved communities by sharing expertise and experience in education, economic growth, governance and transitions from conflict to peace. Creative is the second-largest company owned by women that works with the U.S. government.
Based in Washington, D.C., Creative currently has field offices in 23 countries. Since 1977, it has worked in 85 countries and on nearly every continent. Recognized for its ability to work rapidly, flexibly and effectively in conflictive environments, Creative is committed to generating long-term sustainable solutions to complex development problems.