A Youth-Centred Approach

youth-centred approach

With and for young people

The Youth-Centred Approach (YCA) is about enabling young people to take part in decision-making spaces within our Federation.

IPPF European Network has developed a YCA toolkit with the aim of improving the confidence and capacity of young people and adults to implement, upgrade and expand youth participation in our members. But the principles of the approach could be applied in other organizations outside IPPF who want to involve more youth voices in their work.

Download the full toolkit in

English and Russian

The toolkit was developed during YCA coaching initiatives with IPPF members. As a result:

Members redesigned youth policies, strategies and practices
Youth groups were revived, and the number of young volunteers increased
Youth became more involved in decision-making within our member associations
Youth-friendly working spaces were set up
Working relations between youth and members were strengthened
Best practices were exchanged between members

This module is for Executive Directors, board members staff, managers, adult volunteers, young volunteers and anyone who is involved in (the coordination of) implementing a YCA in the organisation.

English, Russian

This module is for Executive Directors, board members, staff, managers, adult volunteers, young volunteers and anyone who is involved in (the coordination of) YCA in the organization.

English, Russian

This module is for young volunteers of the organization and staff or volunteers responsible for contact with the youth group.

English, Russian

This module is for Executive Directors, board members, staff, managers, adult volunteers, young volunteers and anyone who is involved in (the coordination of) YCA in the organization.

English, Russian

This module is designed for the staff (and board) of the member association.

English, Russian

Staff/volunteers of member associations who are selected to support and coach other members to introduce /increase/improve YCA and youth participation.

English, Russian

Examples of member to member peer coaching, proposed steps for a coaching process, tips for coaching, YSAFE rules and regulations.

English, Russian

  Testimonials  

Why involving young people in your work is important? Listen to the experience and learnings of our members.

YCA expert, Doortje Braeken, and members share how to get the best out of the toolkit
YCA expert, Doortje Braeken, plus volunteers and staff from IPPF members discuss coaching on YCA
Margaux, youth officer in our French member, talks about youth in decision-making spaces

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Nika, former volunteer in our German member, talks about young people as agents of change

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The Youth Centred Approach was not just another project; it was the main project. This was not an additional task; this was an opportunity to learn how to coordinate all youth activities, something that helps me do my job better.

Staff member, youth coordinator

Since the YCA training, there was a significant improvement in the way our Youth Group is perceived. For me, the turning point was when we planned a meeting with our national Board and four members of the Youth Group to discuss how we perceived each other and how to better work together in the future. We had the possibility to confront our visions and plan together.

Youth volunteer