DSWs peer approach is a way to reach out to the youth. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues as well as lifeskills and livelihood education and trainings are often best passed by youth to youth.

Y2Y members are often in a better position to understand needs and wishes of their peers than other people would. Also, a trained youth club member, peer educator or club leader is in a better position to reach out to his/her peers by simply being a role model to younger members.

This is why DSWs Y2Y Initiative focuses on youth empowerment, for the benefit of the individual club member as well as his/ her peers in the community.

Y2Y’s unique approach is to involve youth actively in their personal development.

This means Y2Y members are not simply recipients of a timely restricted support program but Y2Y empowers youth to actively participate in their social and economical development.

This approach ensures that youth are educated and trained in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) as well as in matters regarding lifeskills and livelihood.

Once a member passed through the Y2Y youth empowerment cycle, one is equipped with knowledge and skills for his/ her future development.

Youth-to-Youth Initiative intends to guide young people helping them develop their personal skills and talents rather than focusing on temporary results.

If you are between 10-24 years of age, a resident of one of the four implementing countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda) and interested in joining DSWs Y2Y initiative simply contact the Y2Y focal person of your country (contacts) and ask for the youth club nearest to your destination.

 Youth club members can reach different levels of membership e.g.:

• Club Members
• Peer Educators
• Peer Educator Trainers
• Peer Guide/ Counsellors
• Club Leaders
•  Y2Y Mentors (after exit)

The Y2Y membership is on a voluntary basis. However, youth clubs are encouraged to start income generating activities (IGAs) to sustain the youth clubs and its activities.

General Goal of Y2Y:

• Empowered youth in areas of sexual and reproductive health & rights, lifeskills, and livelihood  

Specific Objectives of Y2Y:

• Improve sexual and reproductive health and rights information and skills of youth
• Strengthen sexual and reproductive health services to youth
• Increase community awareness of SRHR and livelihood needs of youth
• Empower youth socially and economically 

Y2Y stands for Youth-to-Youth Initiative. This initiative concerns the social and economical empowerment of youth between 10-24 years of age.

Youth club members undergo a cycle of trainings, addressing four main areas:

• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Education and Training,
• Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Services,
• Community Outreach, and
• Economic Empowerment.

The Y2Y initiative was founded in 1999 and is now being implemented in the four neighbouring countries Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.