YOUTH NEED ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

YOUTH NEED ASSESSMENT PROGRAM


There is widespread prevalence of exclusion and discrimination against Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims and other socially excluded communities in our society, and the specific vulnerabilities of women, children and youth within these communities, as regards access to education, employment and governance. Poverty, disability, physical/geographic in-accessibility, forms of illnesses and other context specific characteristics make the picture more complex, demanding sustained efforts in unraveling and addressing exclusion independently and interjectionally. DJKS is working to bring together the youth of the excluded communities and consistent interventions are made to assess their different needs. In 2017-18, DJKS was supported by Centre for Social Equity and Inclusion, New Delhi to conduct a survey of the Dalit youth of the 15-35 years age group through mobile apps. A three month survey (January-March, 2018) successfully conducted in Nalanda district in the Bihar through which 200 Dalit youth (male and female) in the age group 15-35 years were successfully surveyed. This survey was helpful in mapping of the needs, wants, demands, expectations & aspirations of the marginalized youth. During the survey data related to the demographics and economic conditions, educational status, unemployment and entrepreneurship, aspirations, barriers to inclusion, influences (positive and negative), infrastructure available and requirements for equity and inclusion were covered. After the survey, a list of the youth of the Dalit community has been prepared and efforts are going on to link them with CSR for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. During the survey, most of the youth showed their concern over thelack of opportunities and guidance that is blocking their ways for a better future.