Youth is one of the fundamental periods in one's life. It is a time for development and transformation. Furthermore, it is a stage of life characterized by qualities like bravery, toughness, strength, stimulation, curiosity, and even more.  From this moment, young children have come out from their shells and are prepared to soar in the realm of hope and dreams. They contribute significantly to the development of our society. They can learn new skills and adapt to the environment and are capable of improving society and bringing forth social improvements. Youth is a crucial stage of development, a period of uncertainties when everything is in progress.

 

Although youth has a significant role in society, they face discrimination and obstacles in exercising their rights, which limits their potential. Aside from racial and ethnic discrimination, youth discrimination is one of the most challenging experiences against children and youth in terms of exercising their civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights. Adults who have prejudice towards other adults also have a prejudice against young people, which leads to discrimination against children and adolescents. People under 18 years old are virtual non-citizens since they lack the right to vote or any tangible political representation and have minimal influence (Freechild Institute For Youth Engagement, 2016). Although many youth programs promote the significance of a youth voice, there are rarely many opportunities for youth to actually use their voices beyond being asked about their concerns and desires for the organization. 

 

Young people are frequently treated by adults as if they are less valuable than their normal peers. Youths are frequently taught what to do or excluded from significant discussions (Lisa Bottomley, Michigan State University Extension, 2014). Youth voice refers to the respect that young people receive for their thoughts and opinions, as well as their freedom to express them inside an institution or organization. Youths are made to feel accepted when adults recognize their thoughts and acknowledge them. As well, youth actively participate in the democratic decision-making process by contributing their ideas and being given opportunities for them to express themselves. This program's objective and vision are to speak up and establish an effective program to successfully promote youth empowerment, raise the voices of youth, and allow youth to express themselves. Develop structural and legal development that tackles all forms of discrimination and acknowledges youth as valuable, competent, and significant to selection. A community that recognizes youth people's perspectives, since the future leaders will be the youth of today.