The Power of Networks
The Experience of the International Youth Foundation
Peter Shiras
Mexico, September 20, 2010
Presented to the Youth Business International Global Forum
The IYF Global Network
• More than 200 organizations
• 75 countries
• Locally rooted, autonomous institutions
• A horizontal network
• Light governance system
• Common commitment to youth development
The IYF Global Network: Purpose
• Learn and Innovate: What works and what is new in youth development
• Promote Standards: Standards of excellence in youth programming, organizational development, governance, financial management and evaluation
• Advocate a Youth Agenda: The promise to provide platforms for youth voices and to advocate for youth issues in the larger development context
• Create Partnerships and Mobilize Resources: The potential to create or expand partnerships and mobilize resources to increase investments in and impact on young people
Network Map – Global Presence
Sub-Networks
Programs Stats Geographical Regional Focus
EEA 6 countries 46 partners
East Asia/Pacific, South Asia, Middle East/North Africa
Entra21 (Phase 1) 18 countries 32 partners
Latin America/Caribbean
EAYPI 3 countries 16 partners
Sub-Saharan Africa
Make a Connection 26 countries 28 partners
Europe, North America, LaC, East Asia/Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa
Global Fund for Youth Development
19 countries 33 partners
East Asia/Pacific, South Asia, Europe, Latin America/Caribbean
Entra 21 Network
Goal: To improve the employability of Latin American and Caribbean vulnerable youth to find productive jobs
Approach:
• Implement “dual-client model” to meet needs of youth and
employers.
• Life, ICT and technical skill training.
• Identify best practices
• Achieve scale and sustainability
• Rigorous and robust learning agenda
The entra21 learning network
• Common program/evaluation framework• Program design workshops• IYF-provided technical assistance• Online learning platform• Moderated virtual discussions• Learning workshops and conferences• Publications
For example…
• Establishing with apprenticeship programs
• Research by IYF staff
• Resources online for reference
• Moderated discussion with partners
• Sharing of solutions from partners
• IYF publication on good practices
Results from learning network
• Find solutions to challenges
• Continuous program improvement
• Identify best practices
• Support outreach to government
• Engagement with private sector
• Scale and sustainability