Youth mapping activities allow young people to be an integral part of IDEJEN’s project planning, assessment, and implementation processes. Through youth mapping activities, communities are assessed in order to gain valuable information on the socio-economic conditions of out-of-school youth and the existing opportunities already in place for these young people. Both in- and out-of-school youth are recruited to take part in the activities, data entry, and analysis, as well as results dissemination.

Youth mapping activities not only help provide a much-needed service to the project but also allow youth to participate and enhance their own skills and capabilities. These activities have helped build a strong youth research cadre, including leaders and some instructors who have remained closely linked to the project. The trainings youth receive grant them opportunities (otherwise unavailable), to learn and master marketable skills in a very hands-on learning environment.

Youth Mapping Stages

Stage 1: Identification of a host organization in the community

Stage 2: Formation of a Local Advisory Group that can bring together different youth-serving organizations within the community

Stage 3: Location of the specific community to be assessed

Stage 4: Recruitment of community field agents

Stage 5: Recruitment of youth, through local community institutions

Stage 6: Drafting of agreements and protocols for the implementation of activities

Stage 7: Formation of a team of youth mappers/interviewers

Youth Mapping Documents

Community Youth Mapping Report: Includes results from IDEJEN’s initial Youth Mapping activities

IDEJEN model: Describes IDEJEN’s project components and implementation processes, and includes a section with details on youth mapping