Young people as project leaders throughout the proposal planning, implementation and evaluation stages

SCA has nominated its Youth Coordinator, Mohamed Hussein as Project Leader.  Mohamed brings to the project his vast skills in community affairs and a high level of experience as he has been a previous participant of the YPIP Program since implementation in 2002. Mohamed, together with the Cyrene Centre and YSAS staff, will take an active role during the consultation series and dialogue processes. Mohamed and potential youth leaders from the target group, will present the results of the studies at the workshop in June. 

Initial discussions have been conducted with the Somali youth during the proposal preparation stage identifying factors that are linked to young people’s developing patterns of drug use and misuse. These factors are family relationships, connection to traditional culture and heritage and community support.

The youth’s views and perception in terms of encouraging participation in events held by SCA have been taken into account in this application.  For example, suggestions of holding sporting events in the initial stages to increase participation and involvement during implementation were made by the youth group. Attendance to forums and visits to relevant organisations have also been suggested.

Consultation with young people will include use of qualitative methodology including focus group, interviews and questionnaires. Discussions will be conducted for existing service providers, parents and community members (secondary target group).  Discussion topics may include perceptions on services and drug strategies for the youth sector.