1 Youth in Development International Youth Forum June, 2011 Sofia, Bulgaria

2 Information and Communication Technologies & Youth Development

3 Why ICT? New technologies play an important role in different areas of young people’s lives Research has shown that youth view technology as positive and empowering, and that youth who master technology have increased self- esteem and better socioeconomic prospects than their counterparts (Cohall A., Nshom M, Nye A., Adolesc Med State Art Rev., 2007 Aug)

4 Why is ICT important? 1)Facilitate communication and access to information; Encourage learning; and ‘enables’ education; 2)Helps for gaining new skills and knowledge → Increases chances for youth (and not only) employment; 3)Expand social networking, cultural exchange and peer to peer learning; 4)Enhance social inclusion, increase self-esteem and change how young people see their role in the society; 5)Turns us into active global citizen, leads to more democratic and participatory society and fosters good governance; 6)Improve access to resources and reinforces each other’s work;

5 1. ICT – easy information and better education Fast access to all kind of information through Internet E-education (formal and informal) – It allows for achieving the MDG 2 (universal primary education) Example: Gemin-i – UK educational charity (through online communities - 60,000 students from over 2,000 primary and secondary schools in 120 countries across the world get together using fully moderated instant messaging, video conferencing and drag-and-drop page creation tools)

6 2. ICT – better chances for professional realization - 1 ICT give much more opportunities for youth entrepreneurship; More employment opportunities are open to young people with (high) tech skills Example from Sri Lanka and Mongolia - school girls who knew English and could use computers were working in community centers, helping for community development by applying their knowledge and IT skills.

7 2. ICT – better chances for professional realization - 2 ICT help for decreasing the grey economy - bridges the gap between young people’s opportunities for self-employment into the informal sector and the sector of legal world economy

8 3. ICT – expanding social networks and cultural exchange Young people are living and learning with New Media - extend their interests and friendships, find new opportunities to distribute their ideas to wider public, gain more visibility and make their voices heard. Internet gives youth the chance to ‘travel’ virtually to distant places, explore other cultures which broadens their knowledge and horizons.

9 4. ICT – better social inclusion and increased self-esteem Technology enhances youth engagement and promotes social inclusion → Example: A survey (conducted in UK) found out that ICT can be useful in helping young people improve their attitude, knowledge and skills so that they are able to become self-sufficient and no longer socially excluded and marginalized social capital

10 5. ICT – active global citizens, participatory society and better governance - 1 Youths take part in international events/campaigns even without being present to the event’s place E–volunteering - gaining knowledge and skills by giving a hand from a distance Social empowerment and facilitated youth expression ( Example – TakingITGlobal )

11 5. ICT – active global citizens, participatory society and better governance - 2 ICT - better opportunities for monitoring Example: Anton Genov and Konstantin Pavlov – Komitata established NGO ‘14th January” and created web site No political hypocrisy and more transparency

12 6. ICT – reinforces work ICT provide better access to all kind of resources and better chances for support.

13 ICT – Nota Bene! 1) ICT – not a magical tool Preconditions: ● Supportive public policy that facilitates the research, diffusion and access of/to ICT ● Increased human capacity through education and training 2) ICT - useful when it is used wisely

14 Thank you for Your Attention!