Local Actions Drive Global Progress: Youth in Focus

At JSI, we work with young people to design and implement solutions that meet local needs and contribute to global progress. On International Youth Day, we celebrate their leadership and contribution. Around the world, we work to ensure that young people are part of advancing adolescent health, strengthening education, and building stronger communities.

Using Peer Learning to Strengthen Adolescent Health Programs

Across the United States, the JSI-managed Reproductive Health National Training Center (RHNTC) is strengthening adolescent health programming by creating peer-to-peer learning opportunities for over 70 Teen Pregnancy Prevention (TPP) program grantees funded by the Office of Population Affairs. The RHNTC convenes a community of six adolescent health innovation hubs working to design, refine, and scale interventions to improve adolescent health. The RHNTC also hosted a virtual peer learning group focused on staff retention, which is essential for the long-term impact of these programs. During the five sessions, participants from 10 organizations learned how to cultivate a more connected and responsive workplace using the RHNTC’s staff support and retention toolkit grounded in action planning. These two peer learning efforts are shaping stronger, more adaptive adolescent health initiatives rooted in connection, learning, and innovation.

Investing in Agroforestry for Community and Environment in Benin

In northern Benin, school-based mothers’ associations recognized and launched community-run agroforestry projects to tackle the loss of native plants. These associations invited youth to rent small agricultural plots for a symbolic fee, creating a culture of environmental stewardship. Youth care for native plants and fruit trees by applying agroforestry principles rooted in global conservation biology evidence. Combining trees and crops to restore biodiversity, improve productivity for local consumption and sale, and strengthen local food systems, the plots also generate stable income for schools and improve community food security. Building on youth-led action research supported by JSI’s World Education division, youth are transforming the future of their communities and their environment.

Building Safer and Stronger Communities in the United States

JSI supports the Massachusetts Department of Public Health through the Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Program, which works directly with young people using positive youth development principles. JSI partners with 15 community-based organizations to provide strategic planning, program management, coaching, and data support to strengthen their youth programs. These efforts include outreach, mentoring, mental and behavioral health services, educational support, and workforce development opportunities to create safer, more supportive environments. Youth are not just participants in the program; they take on leadership roles to mentor their peers and lead community engagement activities that build safer and stronger communities.

Creating Healthier Futures Through Vaccination in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Girl Effect and JSI are boosting HPV vaccine awareness and support. Cervical cancer is the country’s second most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Drawing on insights from girls and their families, Girl Effect developed a school-based program to educate girls and boys about HPV and the importance of vaccination and designed activities focused on reaching out-of-school girls and their families. Recognizing men as primary decision-makers, boys were included to increase their awareness and understanding. The program’s activities with in-school girls led to 94% getting vaccinated. This work is increasing young people’s agency and knowledge to make health decisions and fostering healthier, more informed families for the future.