SPW has a unique youth-led methodology that has been proven to positively affect the lives of young people and their communities. It has been refined over 20 years, adapting continuously to the changing environment in which we work. Essential to our approach is our understanding of the environmental factors that affect the lives of young people.

Focus on Under-served Areas: SPW’s youth-led and volunteer placement approach is particularly appropriate for rural areas. These regions are underserved by other development efforts, or reached only in short-term, sporadic interventions that cannot change attitudes and behaviours. By placing young people in rural communities for three to five years, SPW can provide the support and capacity building necessary to create change in communities.

Working within Existing Structures: SPW’s young people work with existing structures, campaigns, government ministries, and other NGOs to expand the impact of our work.

Full-time, Long-term Holistic Approach: SPW believes that the issues which affect young people are interrelated. Instead of separating our work with sexual health, life skills, livelihoods and education, we provide an integrated program addressing multiple issues of concern to young people and their communities. We also work with parents, teachers, and communities to create a supportive atmosphere for change and development among youth. 

Localised Approaches: SPW believes that the use of young people as leaders in development is a universally applicable strategy that can and should be tailored to the local needs of young people in each country, region and community. Each country program identifies and responds to the needs within their individual communities.
 The following challenges and opportunities underpin SPW’s rationale and strategy:

Challenges
Lack of Sexual Health Information: Young people are among the most affected by poor sexual and reproductive health, inadequate livelihoods and education, especially in the context of the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

No Opportunities for Young People: A lack of resources and opportunities for young people who often have no access to the information, education, life skills and opportunities they need to make responsible choices and ensure a successful transition to a productive and healthy adulthood.

Gaps in Resources: Gaps in human, financial and infrastructural capacity on the ground, particularly in rural areas, prevent the delivery of many core development strategies. While progress has been made at a national and international level to develop appropriate strategies for addressing key needs, these strategies are a long way from reaching those who need it most.