SPEAKING RIGHTS: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH

Abstract

Using Equitas’ Speaking Rights Program as a best practice example, this article outlines the essential practices and conditions of a participatory approach to human rights education for youth, and explores how this approach effectively supports youth empowerment. The authors maintain that programs that use a participatory approach to human rights education are more likely to engage youth in actions for social change within their communities. They suggest that youth workers who are trained and well equipped to address issues that are on the minds of youth are critical in helping youth develop the skills and motivation to participate.

Keywords

• youth empowerment
• participatory approach
• human rights education
• sustainability