Red Cross and Red Crescent Youth
About half of the volunteers of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are young people.
A special focus on young people is a crucial investment, not only for today but also for the future. The safety and protection of young people in vulnerable circumstances must be addressed, taking into account their age- and gender-specific needs.
In their multiple roles as contributors – and acknowledging their skills as innovators, inter-cultural ambassadors and peer-to-peer facilitators – young people are educated, enabled and empowered to be active in leading and participating in voluntary activities and in the governance, management and services of their National Societies. To this end, we use non-formal approaches as well as specific training and skills development. These are underpinned by dedicated youth networks and structures. We also encourage young people to continue membership as adults.
Young people bring much-needed skills when working alongside the increasing numbers of older people in a spirit of mutual respect. This is crucial to the intergenerational transfer of experience that is vital to both progress and stability in society.
IPE Newsletters
Learning, education and training
World First Aid Day
The IFRC is the largest first aid educator and provider in the world. In 2014, over 15 million people were trained in skills that could save lives in an emergency.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
Each year, 8 May – Henry Dunant’s birthday – gives us the chance to celebrate the amazing work of the Movement and its volunteers.
The Fundamental Principles
In a world with increasing isolation, tension and recourse to violence, it is clear that the Red Cross Red Crescent must champion the individual and community values which encourage respect for other human beings and a willingness to work together to find solutions to community problems.
Recent news stories
Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders in the Mediterranean region have reaffirmed their support for vulnerable migrants along the entire migratory trail, promoted the participation of youth in decision-making, and agreed on strategic actions for climate change adaptation.
Many of the children growing up in the sprawling camp surrounding Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, have no access to formal education. On the cusp of adulthood, they face an uncertain future.
Loneliness is a serious problem in Finland with about 10 per cent of teenagers and young adults feeling isolated. Face-to-face activities that bring people together have been the backbone of Finnish Red Cross volunteer programmes and 2017 saw them taken to the next level – online gaming.
Yunnan students have jumped at the chance to join Volunteers on Wheels, a new scheme bringing humanitarian pedal power to some of the world’s most isolated communities.
Related documents
The Red Cross Red Crescent European Youth Network (EYN) facilitates the sharing of good practices, exchange of experiences and advocates on behalf of its members since 1975. We empower young people through strengthening cooperation within and outside of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
