20 aug 2010

ASTI Youth Center «Youth Power»

Mission of the youth center

Creation of optimal conditions for personal development of youth of Khujand

Propaganda of healthy lifestyle

Currently, youth center operates under the framework of the project "Equal and fair access", with financial support of AFEW.

Aim: Reducing the risk of contracting HIV AIDs, STIs, and preventing the spread of drug use among vulnerable youth of Khujand and the nearby districts of Sughd region through the creation of equal opportunities and conditions for the involvement in youth and the development of specific skills on the basis of the youth center in Khujand.

How it works: The Youth Center operates on the principle of open doors, i.e. the task force or visitors; any member of the youth aged 15 to 24 years can become participants and visitors of alternatives if he has a desire for that. Among the most constant and active visitors a group of volunteers is formed, which provides with systematic help in organizing of activities of the youth center and program activities. Volunteers perform a key role in disseminating information about the YC, and in propagating healthy lifestyles among young people.

Methodology: The youth center uses the methodology of training and work on the principle of "Equal to equal» (Peer education). This approach provides an open space for self-expression and self-realization of young people, open discussion of issues of interest, the timely receipt of responses to them. Equal contact between the trainer and trainee, allows to explore new material deeper or to learn new skills, as in the process of knowledge and skills delivery trainer uses the same vocabulary and the same way of expression of thoughts as the visitor.

Training session: Training sessions are basic tools in informing the youth about the issues of healthy lifestyles and prevention of HIV and AIDS. Training sessions are held by the most active volunteers, who express interest and have the ability to teach young people. They pass special trainings to trainer, and then in pairs, conduct trainings on healthy lifestyles and prevention of HIV and AIDS. Trainings are conducted both on the basis of the youth center and beyond it, in schools, universities, public places. Organization and conducting of the trainings is the responsibility of trainers themselves.

Alternatives: In addition to training sessions, in order to create an environment of full personality formation and distract youth from drugs in the youth center organized sections on interests-alternatives. Currently, to each visitor the youth center offers the choice to participate and gain skills in the following areas:

- Chess                                      - Bingo

- Break Dance                            - Drawing

- Modern Dance                         - Karaoke

- Graffiti                                    - Russian 

- Guitar                                     - English

- Piano                                      - Watching movies

- Darts                                      - Arabic

- Computer                               - Sewing

Education on above courses is free.

ASTI Youth Center «Youth Power»

Address: Khujand, Lenin Str. 42

Phone: 47 4441909