Youth development is a process that prepares a young
person to meet the challenges of adolescence and
adulthood and achieve his or her full potential. Youth
development is promoted through activities and
experiences that help youth develop social, ethical,
emotional, physical, and cognitive competencies.
Youth leadership is part of the youth development
process and supports the young person in developing
the ability to analyze his or her own strengths and
weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and
have the self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and
abilities to carry them out and the ability to guide
or direct others on a course of action, influence
the opinions and behaviors of others, and serve as a
role model.
Nishtha's work with young people begins from
providing education support as well as forming the
collectives, Balak Balika Vahini and Kishore Kishori
Vahinis. However from the large number of young
people reached, often there are some who show
leadership abilities and skills and with developing
such skills these young people become role models
for their peers.
The extensive trainings, exposure visits, and handholding
help groom these youth leaders. This leads
to a wider understanding of our society and social
Issues, creative thinking, Problem Solving, Teamwork
and Leadership Skills, Facilitation, Presentation,
Communication and other related skills.
Nishtha has a Youth Federation of about 91 members
who are elected members representing the youth
groups. The federation works on an annual action
plan often working as an action squad to deal with
rights violations across the villages.
