Afghan Youth Engagement and Development Initiative

Here to make change. Afghan-Canadian youth tend to live in low socioeconomic households and have low rates of pursuing higher education. Afghan-Canadian youth are also at high risk of gang involvement and drug and alcohol dependence issues. In addition, although Afghan-Canadian youth are politically aware of issues in Afghanistan or Canada, there is a lack of mobilization and organization to channel their energy into civic action. The Afghan Youth Engagement and Development Initiative (AYEDI) was launched in May 2018. AYEDI is a non-partisan organization that aims to build the mental, psychological, and emotional health of Afghan youth in Canada through civic engagement, community leadership, and mentorship opportunities. Our focus is on creating awareness for civic engagement of Afghan youth in order to provide the opportunities for them to express their voices and be heard.