Expanding Economic Opportunities for Women & Youth

Abstract

While globalization has brought rapid growth to Asia over recent decades, many marginalized communities have yet to see significant gains. The Asia Foundation is working to ensure that young people from diverse backgrounds are able to participate in a growing economy. The Asia Foundation’s economic empowerment initiatives address the need to raise the standard and relevance of youth education and teach youth the skills necessary to enhance their contribution to their countries’ growth and development. Since September 2014, The Asia Foundation has been implementing the Aflateen program to provide social and financial education to youth, with the goal of inspiring and empowering girls and boys to lead responsible lives and to become agents of change. The Aflateen curriculum was developed by the Dutch organization Aflatoun International, and is currently being taught in over 100 countries around the world.