The International Foundation for Y-PEER Development (IFYD) supports the mission of the International Y-PEER Network and therefore aims to promote a healthy life-style and sustainable development, through empowering young people and adolescents to make informed responsible decisions through innovative, inclusive and interactive methodologies and approaches.
IFYD envisions young people to have meaningful participation in decision-making processes on different levels, focusing on issues that directly concern them, their rights, health and wellbeing.
About Us
Youth PEER Afghanistan Organization
Y-PEER Afghanistan, officially
known as the Youth Peer Afghanistan Organization (YPAO), is a dynamic,
youth-led non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young people
across Afghanistan. As an active member of the global Y-PEER network initiated
by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), YPAO is deeply committed to advancing
youth empowerment, human rights, education, public health, and gender equality
throughout the country.
Founded in 2016 and officially
registered with ministry of Economy
as a national NGO in 2019, YPAO serves as both a platform and a movement where
Afghan youth are not only the primary beneficiaries but also the key drivers of
social transformation. The organization is built on the belief that young
people, when equipped with the right tools and opportunities, can become
powerful agents of change within their communities. Through peer-to-peer
education, leadership training, and advocacy initiatives, YPAO cultivates youth
leadership and fosters inclusive development.
In the face of persistent social, economic, and political challenges, Y-PEER Afghanistan stands as a beacon of hope and progress. The organization continues to inspire and mobilize a new generation of young Afghans—encouraging them to rise as leaders, advocates, and change makers committed to building a more equitable, educated, and inclusive Afghan society.
Partnerships and Achievements
Y-PEER Afghanistan has built strong partnerships
with key international organizations such as UNFPA, UN Women, the International
Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and Australian Aid. These collaborations
have played a vital role in expanding the organization’s reach and enhancing
the quality of its youth-focused programs.
One of YPAO’s most notable achievements includes successfully training and mobilizing over 5,000 young volunteers across different provinces of Afghanistan to conduct peer-to-peer education on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and life skills. These youth-led initiatives have reached thousands of adolescents and marginalized communities, especially in remote areas where access to information is limited. By equipping local youth with knowledge and leadership skills, YPAO has cultivated a nationwide movement of informed, confident, and socially active young people who are leading change from within their own communities.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Community engagement is central to Y-PEER Afghanistan’s
mission. The organization has established a vibrant network of youth volunteers
in over 20 provinces, who deliver peer education and raise awareness on key
issues such as health, gender equality, and climate change. YPAO combines
traditional outreach—like radio, theater, and community events—with digital
platforms to connect with youth nationwide.
Through partnerships
with schools and universities, YPAO organizes leadership training, climate
clubs, and health education sessions. The organization also involves religious
leaders, teachers, and parents to ensure cultural sensitivity and community
support.
In times of crisis,
YPAO mobilizes youth for humanitarian relief, distributing essential supplies
to vulnerable families. Feedback from communities helps shape and improve its
programs, ensuring they meet real needs. By placing youth at the forefront of
change, YPAO builds stronger, more resilient communities across Afghanistan.
Core Focus Areas
YPAO is a strong and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and women’s rights in Afghanistan. The organization implements targeted programs designed to empower women by fostering leadership skills, increasing access to quality education, and creating economic opportunities. YPAO works to dismantle barriers that limit women’s participation in society and encourages their active and meaningful involvement in social, cultural, and political life. Through community outreach, advocacy campaigns, and peer education, YPAO promotes respect, equality, and the protection of women’s rights, helping to build a more inclusive and just society.
Recognizing the
urgent threat of climate change, YPAO has made environmental education a core
component of its programming. The organization integrates climate awareness
into peer education models, trains youth on the impacts of climate change in
Afghanistan (such as droughts, floods, and resource scarcity), and promotes
eco-conscious behavior at the community level.
YPAO also mobilizes
young people to participate in clean-up drives, tree planting initiatives, and
environmental advocacy campaigns. These activities aim to build a generation of
environmentally responsible citizens who understand the link between climate
change, public health, and sustainable development. In partnership with local
schools and community centers, YPAO has launched climate literacy sessions
designed to educate youth about environmental rights, climate justice, and
green innovation.