Youth Centers Provide Hope in Darfur Camps

From the State Department's USINFO...

After more than two years of living in refugee camps, Darfur’s young people have begun to grow dissatisfied with their limited employment options and the continuous insecurity in the region that prevents them from venturing elsewhere.

In a camp in South Darfur that is home to 90,000 displaced people, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) partner CHF International has responded to this situation by introducing to youth the concept of community ownership and responsibility.

With support from CHF International, 200 enthusiastic young people constructed a camp youth center. Directly managed by a core group of youth leaders, the center has provided training in adult literacy, English, health, hygiene, carpentry, sewing and metal working to more than 2,000 young people.

The goal of the training is to improve the young people's work skills, and [to] prepare displaced youth to engage in small-business endeavors. Based on the success of this pilot project, CHF International worked with youth to replicate the model and build a youth center in another South Darfur camp.

Youth at these centers have demonstrated a high level of self-sufficiency and commitment to their centers, independently acquiring several contributions to support further training programs and awareness-raising drama activities.

Since CHF International began working in Darfur in 2004, the organization has constructed 14 community centers in rural villages and camps for internally displaced persons, with help from USAID. CHF International’s support for these centers includes educational services, cash-for-work and income-generating activities, and vocational training opportunities for thousands affected by the Darfur conflict.