Scoping study & strategy development for the empowerment of youth of Sri Lanka using a mixed methods approach
Client Name: SOS Children’s Villages
Location: Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Monaragala, Pillayandala)
Background Context: SOS Children’s Villages (SOS) has been working in Sri Lanka for over 30 years, responding to local needs and challenges of communities, specifically vulnerable children. A critical strategic aspect of the SOS Global Strategy 2030 is to empower young people – and strengthen their care and employability. The organization sought to modernize youth care with young people’s participation and deepen their integration into the community.
Objectives
To realize the outcome of the Global Strategy 2030, SOS commissioned a study to Development Solutions to understand the specific issues of the young in their care and the larger context of young persons in the country to design strategic interventions. The objectives of the study were:
- To study and understand the broader context of youth in Sri Lanka – their access to education, employment, their needs and aspirations and government policies and programs for youth.
- Given the context of youth in Sri Lanka, examine how SOS Children’s Villages have affected the lives of the children in their care and specifically understand how the interventions have prepared youth in the SOS programs for their adult life.
- Examine how the interventions of SOS on education and vocational training meet the youth aspirations and market needs. Determine the key differentials between the SOS Programs and Government programs.
- Examine the role of the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) and suggest measures for improving the functioning of the VTC.
- Identify key gaps and suggest interventions for SOS Children Village to improve the status of youth in Sri Lanka.
Approach and Methodology
- Method/ Design: Mixed methods- Literature review, quantitative survey and qualitative interactions (in-depth interviews and focus group discussions)
- Key Respondents/ Informants: Youth: SOS Children’s village homes, youth from households under the Family Strengthening Program, youth in SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools, youth in SOS vocational training schools, government officials, development professionals, industry stakeholders, staff at vocational training centers, SOS program staff, SOS mothers.
- Key Areas of Inquiry: Issues and challenges of youth in Sri Lanka, special initiatives for youth, youth development programs, SOS interventions and success, and strategy for youth empowerment.
- Sample: Quantitative (250), Qualitative (61)
Impact
The study findings informed the client's strategy for youth empowerment, employability and education, enabling youth to be leaders - in their in-house and community-based programs.
Contact
17/109, Lower Ground Floor, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi – 110024