The presentation of the Manual for Implementation of Training Courses and Projects “Youth Participation” took place

The presentation of the Manual for Implementation of Training Courses and Projects “Youth Participation” took place on 15 May, 2009.

The Manual for Implementation of Training Courses and Projects “Youth Participation” has been developed and published by Armenian Young Women’s Association, with th support of US Embassy in Armenia.

Guests from state field, non-governmental and international organizations, as well students and young people were present in the event.

In her opening speech Lilit Asatryan – President of Armenian Young Women’s Association, introduced the aim and the creation process of the Manual. She mentioned that youth participation is still one of the biggest problems in Armenia, and hoped that the Manual for Implementation of Training Courses and Projects “Youth Participation” could have its own role in the solution of the problem.

Thomas Mittnacht – Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Armenia, in his speech mentioned about the importance of youth participation and hoped that the Manual will promote to increase the level of youth participation in the Republic of Armenia.

Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs – Arsen Karamyan, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Armenia – Eduard Sharmazanov, President of National Youth Council of Armenia – Aram Sukiasyan, Canadian Executive Service Organisation Armenian representative – Arthur Ghazaryan, President of Women’s Association with University Degree – Jemma Hasratyan, they also maintained the idea of the Manual and congratulated young people on this occasion.

In the Manual for Implementation of Training Courses and Projects “Youth Participation” various aspects of youth participation are discussed. Youth participation was considered from national youth policy point of view, and youth participation indicators are developed. The Manual emphasizes the importance of encouraging youth participation, and various aspects of strategic planning and implementation of youth participation process are presented. The manual has an aim to cover the gap existing in youth participation educational materials. The manual is designed for active young people, members of NGOs, trainers, researchers, experts and a wide auditorium.

The Manual describes the problems in the field of youth participation and shows the ways of their solution.

The four chapters of the Manual introduce the idea of youth participation, principles of youth policy, international legislation on youth participation, strategy planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of youth participation process.

The Manual contains both theoretical materials and gives recommendations to youth field actors, also raises questions and gives tasks to the reader.