Youth Assessment Report 2016 for USAID/Haiti was conducted to assess the situation of youth in Haiti and identify critical issues affecting their development. The assessment aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Haitian youth, with a focus on the global, regional, and national contexts.
Haiti’s demographic, economic, and social profile is characterized by a young population, with approximately 60% of the population under the age of 25. The country faces significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare. The global context highlights the importance of youth development in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth.
The regional context emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to youth development, taking into account the specific needs and challenges of Haitian youth. The assessment identified several critical issues affecting youth development in Haiti, including democracy and governance, youth economic opportunities, education and training, social support systems, health and well-being, gender equity and positive youth development, juvenile justice, crime and violence, the environment and climate change, and policy environment.
The assessment methodology involved a literature review, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with youth-led and youth-serving organizations, youth development workers, and stakeholders. The findings from these activities highlighted the need for an integrated youth development policy that addresses the multiple challenges facing Haitian youth.
The report recommends the development of an integrated youth development policy for Haiti, which should be formulated in consultation with key stakeholders, including youth-led and youth-serving organizations, government agencies, and international partners. The policy should prioritize the needs and challenges of Haitian youth, with a focus on education and training, economic empowerment, social support systems, health and well-being, and gender equity and positive youth development.
The report also recommends the formulation of an action plan and implementation strategy for the integrated youth policy, which should be based on a thorough analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing Haitian youth. The action plan should prioritize the development of a comprehensive national youth entrepreneurship strategy, the promotion of youth skills for inclusive economic growth, and the enhancement of youth employment and employability.
In addition, the report recommends the provision of quality education and training opportunities for young people, the building of social capital and strengthening of youth resilience, the improvement of youth health and well-being, and the empowerment of Haitian young people in the prevention of gender-based violence. The report also emphasizes the need to minimize the impact of crime and violence on young people and to support youth action on climate change and environmental awareness.
The assessment concludes that a comprehensive approach to youth development is essential for addressing the multiple challenges facing Haitian youth. The report provides a framework for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to work together to develop and implement effective strategies for youth development in Haiti.