KFUK-KFUM – Empowering Youth, Sharing Solutions

Eight in ten young people worldwide feel that those in power do not care about their views. In Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, young people will lead a safe youth centre offering sport, arts and psychosocial support, drawing on the experience of Forandringshuset (House of Change) in Norway. Kavli Trust is giving NOK 1.75 million (£140 525).

About the project

KFUK-KFUM Norway (YWCA-YMCA Norway) and YMCA Ethiopia will refurbish the YMCA youth centre in Bahir Dar, make it accessible to everyone and set up a dedicated digital room. Every week there will be sport, arts, drama, traditional dance and poetry. Young people with and without disabilities take part side by side, including in sitting volleyball.

Thirty young leaders will be trained to take responsibility for activities, outreach and welcoming new participants. Social workers provide psychosocial support and help young people who need more to access local services. Parents take part in group sessions and home visits based on the ICDP approach to positive parenting. The model draws on Forandringshuset, KFUK-KFUM’s youth centres in Norway, and learning will flow both ways. After the project period, the activities will become a permanent part of the centre’s work.

How will Kavli Trust’s funding be used

The grant will establish and strengthen the youth centre and the digital room: activities, sports equipment and art supplies, social workers and staff at YMCA Bahir Dar and the national office, training of young leaders and facilitators in the ICDP approach, community outreach, parenting support and referrals to psychosocial support and other relevant services.

About the organisation

KFUK-KFUM Norway is part of one of the world’s largest youth and women’s movements, present in more than 140 countries. In Norway it runs Forandringshuset, which since 2016 has grown to 12 youth centres with around 50 staff, reaching some 20,000 young people every year. KFUK-KFUM Global is the organisation’s international department and supports youth-led programmes in six countries, with funding from Norad and Operasjon Dagsverk among others.

YMCA Ethiopia was founded in 1949 and has nine branches across the country. It has been a partner of KFUK-KFUM Norway since 2022, and the Bahir Dar branch has more than 50 years of experience working in the local community.