E IS FOR EMPOWERMENT Empowerment is the central issue addressed by YEPP. YEPP is committed to contributing to empowering children and youth at risk and their families empowering the communities in which they live. Empowerment is a complex and dynamic process which results in an expansion of both - individual and collective - capacities, resources and spheres of action. Youth empowerment is about young people gaining greater control over their lives, having more choices and better options, and becoming active and responsible citizens. Participation in society is closely linked with learning, training and working opportunities throughout life. Empowerment is about developing the relevant knowledge and consciousness, skills and competence as well as attitudes and confidence to become active agents - rather than victims - of developments and changes. The ultimate consequences of societal development and changes are felt in the local communities as part of the social fabric of everyday life and affect every aspect of people's lives. Therefore empowerment of communities addresses the issue of developing viable and nurturing environments and more supportive conditions for children and youth growing up. Community development is seen as crucial for supporting youth empowerment and for providing a basis for positive change to overcome social exclusion. All YEPP actors share the opinion that a holistic approach is the best way of improving youth empowerment in a sustainable way. Aspects of the approach are shown in the following matrix: Empowerment: Area of relevance Personal aspects Community related aspects Social area personal and social skills and values feeling of belonging social services family relations leisure time facilities / sports Political area skills and knowledge about political participation democratic orientation youth participation opportunities Economic area employability entrepreneurship job opportunities job creation training opportunities Cultural area cultural self-confidence ethical orientation respect towards other cultural groups integration of cultural groups religious communities cultural / artistic activities Education and training motivation, capability formal education and training successes accessibility of education and training careers quality of schools (general and vocational education) Legal area knowledge about individual rights civil rights Health and environment consciousness of own body knowledge about healthy and safe life respect towards nature healthy and unpolluted environment public health services health awareness programmes