The Young Samaritan program (YSP) is a youth empowerment programme implemented across Bible Societies in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2023 to 2027.
The programme aims to empower, equip and enable young people to make responsible decisions and develop their communities, while addressing critical issues such as gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and social media, all in light of the Scriptures.
Our vision is for every young person in Africa to live responsibly and have a positive impact on their community.
The programme is born out of the desire of the United Bible Societies (UBS) leadership to see African youth empowered and equipped to lead responsible lives for the development of themselves and their societies. It is an outgrowth of the Good Samaritan HIV Programme (GSP), which was implemented by Bible Societies in 24 African countries from 2004 to 2022.
The programme is coordinated by Africa Youth Service (AYS), a department of United Bible Societies (UBS), and overseen by a Steering Committee.
Purpose
The purpose of the Young Samaritan is to:
Help young people to plan for their future (education and career) in a realistic and positive way
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Provide actual information about puberty and reproductive health, gender equality, people living with disabilities (PWD), friendship and self-esteem, environment and climate change
Encourage young people to make healthy decisions and avoid negative influence from friends, digital media, and radical/extreme groups
To encourage young people to take active part in developing their community
Strengthen awareness among young people about the reality of migration
Strengthen young people’s ability to recognize, critically assess and resist misinformation in a digitalized world
Equip local partners and parents/caretakers to support and contribute to positive and inclusive development for young people
