The Adolescent Kit builds on global standards, principles and good practices for working with adolescents across sectors. These principles provide the technical foundation for the Kit and underpin all of the activities, tools and guidance included in it. They are meant to help UNICEF staff to identify how the Kit’s resources correspond with programmes and programme goals in the various sectors.
Providing support to adolescents to develop life skills can help them adapt to change and meet the demands and challenges of humanitarian situations in constructive ways. Life skills can help adolescents think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships and develop a stronger sense of self-worth. (See Foundation Guide, p. 31.)
Providing a safe and positive space for adolescent girls and boys to learn, have fun, express themselves creatively and take a break from difficult circumstances can contribute to their psychosocial well-being during and after crises. Providing support to adolescents to build their resilience and encouraging them to engage positively with their families and communities are important parts of this effort. (See Foundation Guide, p. 32.)
Encouraging adolescents to participate in meaningful ways during times of humanitarian crisis can make a difference in their own lives and in their communities. It can help adolescents develop important skills, gain confidence and speak up about their rights and needs. Participation can empower them as social actors to play an important role in supporting their families, rebuilding their communities and contributing to humanitarian response efforts. (See Foundation Guide, p. 34.)
Supporting adolescents to think, behave and relate to others in ways that promote social cohesion and peace – with family, friends and others in their immediate lives – can help them contribute to broader social change. Adolescents in humanitarian situations can introduce peaceful behaviours to their communities, change negative social attitudes or practices, and help disrupt cycles of conflict and violence that pass from one generation to the next. (See Foundation Guide, p. 36, and to explore further resources, see the separate Adolescents as Peacebuilders Toolkit.)
Ensuring that adolescents with disabilities have opportunities to participate equally in programmes with other girls and boys is critical in humanitarian situations, where they may confront stigma and discrimination and face barriers to accessing support. This involves making sure that activities are accessible, safe, appropriate and inclusive for adolescents with and without disabilities, and supporting facilitators and adolescents to be respectful, tolerant and supportive of each other. (See Foundation Guide p. 38.)
Offering adolescents a space to reflect on their identities as girls and boys, and to examine the ways in which being male or female shapes their lives, experiences and opportunities, can help promote more equitable beliefs and practices around gender. Adolescents in humanitarian situations can help transform gender roles by taking on non-traditional tasks (such as heads of households for girls, or care providers for boys) and working to change discriminatory beliefs and practices around gender in their communities. (See Foundation Guide p. 41.)
See the Foundation Guide for more information