Adolescence is recognised as a critical stage in one's life, during which many behavioural patterns that can determine current health status and future health outcomes are established.
Mental health, resiliency, and well-being are fundamental to the quality of life and productivity of individuals, families, communities, and nations. Good mental health and resiliency enables young people to experience life as meaningful and to overcome adversity. And it equips them to thrive during good times and cope in the face of challenges.
We focus on mental health and sexual and reproductive health, and prioritise keeping girls and other marginalised young people free from domestic, sexual, and community violence, including hate crimes and gang violence. This includes (but is not limited to): sexual and gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, and forced/early marriage.
We aim to ensure that young people, and adolescent girls and young women in particular, have access to integrated sexual and reproductive health information and services. Young people should understand and be able to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights—free of coercion, discrimination, and violence.
EMpower supports programmes that:
There are over 500,000 orphans in Russia, and only 10% of orphans who leave care are able to fully adapt to independent living, with 2% entering university, compared to 45% of young people who grow up living with their families.
Founded in 2002, Galaxy Fund is run by Russian organisation Stellit and implements programmes to ensure that young people living in care are better equipped for independent life, more likely to secure employment, and better able to avoid situations that put them at risk of exploitation. Their programmes provide sexual and reproductive health education, life skills training, and knowledge about trafficking and access to emotional support.
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Our Board Directors and the Leadership Council underwrite all of our Management, General and Fundraising expenses, so 100% of your donation goes directly to empowering marginalised young people.