Sri Lanka Federation of Youth Clubs – South Asia’s Biggest Youth Volunteer Organization
Established on March 23, 1983, Sri Lanka Federation of Youth Clubs currently has more than 13,000 Youth Clubs across Sri Lanka and celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
Launched under the directives of His Excellency Late President J.R. Jayawardana as a part of the National Youth Service Council, the intention was to empower the young generation to express their views freely, independently and present them to the government plus to have an organization of their own which expands from the rural level to the national level.
Furthermore, to build unity, friendship and cooperation within the youth population by gathering them under one organization devoid of all differences such as nationality, cast religion and political divisions.
The main objectives of youth clubs include, creating opportunities for the youth to present their inherent skills and capabilities, Providing youth with the knowledge on the economic, social and cultural requirements related to national development and persuading them for scientific thinking, utilizing the free time in worthy and productive manner and to create platforms for them to present their inherent capabilities and skills.
Apart from these, personality development and leadership training for youth, trainings on youth and community development, creating national, religious reconciliation and coexistence, encouraging the youth towards strengthening their economy are also some of the focus areas.
Currently, they conduct many leadership training programmes, local and internation- al youth exchange programmes and provide employment opportunities through NYSCO Youth Cooperative Societies and appraise the youth with special abilities/talents through “Youth Got Talent” programme.
The Youth Clubs ( 13,028 in number) are the smallest cluster where as the structure expands from Regional Boards of Youth Clubs (334), District Boards of Youth Clubs ( 26) to National Board of Youth Club.
The officials of the Youth Club including President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected at a general meeting and Youth Services Officer of the area works as the head of the officials. They also celebrate May 23 as the National Youth Day since 1999.
If you are interested in joining a youth club, you can contact your Grama Niladhari Division and youth between the age group 13-29 can obtain the membership. The next event of Sri Lanka Federation of Yo u t h Clubs is International Youth Day celebrations on August 12 at Nelum Pokuna Premises.