Information Access
Objectives:
- Promote information accessibility in regions of Armenia, particularly for young people
- Increase possibilities for information technology use and development for young people
- Collect and spread information that will promote enhancement of active citizenship and participation, development of self-actualization and self-development among young Armenians living in regions of Armenia
Methods: networking, publications, training, meetings, library services, counseling
Local Projects/Actions:- “GLOW” Girls Leading Our World, Armenia (summer 2008)
- “European Charter - a Model for Local Success Within Youth NGOs”, Bulgaria, (18-27 July, 2006)
- Active Youth as a Guarantee of Civil Society Strengthening in Regions of Armenia (February-October, 2005)
- Information Accessibility for Youth (July-September, 2004)
- Youth Leadership Club (June-July, 2004)
- Book donations to local libraries (2004)
- International Youth Day (12 August, 2003)
- Our Library as a Regional Informational and Telecommunication Center (2003)
- SYC capacity building program “Stable Steps” (2002)
Ongoing Services:
- Promote information accessibility among young Armenian and youth organizations (through e-list, newsletters, etc.),(2006-2007)
- Library
Description:
The social-economic situation of present-day Armenia has influenced all layers of the population including the youth. The problems of youth are particularly vivid in regions of Armenia, there is a big difference between possibilities and information accessibility between youth of the capital and in regions. Youth in regions have fewer opportunities for employment, leisure, self-expression and self-development, to be active, to participate in different projects. Furthermore, young people in regions are discouraged and take passive role.
The importance of having youth develop good critical and creative thinking abilities has to do with the foundations needed for a democracy and with the tools needed for independent and life-long learning. Many young people and high school students have difficulties connected with decision making, team work, obtaining necessary information, professional orientation, time management, leisure and future planning. Meanwhile, employers state lack of adequate human resources with corresponding employability skills. There is lack of youth at risk programs to provide youth with a broad range of life and marketable skills and basic education to address this increasingly critical challenge, which will enable them to also understand, articulate and model the fundamental values which are foundational to social life and a democratic system of government.
Internet as a huge and important resource of information is not accessible for almost all young people in town. (Internet price is too high in regions, as there is a need to pay extra interurban telephone cost of 20 AMD per minute, $4-$5 per hour). All these lead to low civil involvement and activeness of youth, irresolution among them. SYC tries to find ways to make information more accessible to young people living in regions of Armenia through e-info, networking, and educational programs.