International Foundation for Y-PEER Development

The International Foundation for Y-PEER Development was founded in 2016 and is based on the experience of the professionals and volunteers at the International Institute for Youth Development PETRI-Sofia (www.petri-sofia.org), which has more than 13 years of experience working with young people on topics related to the objectives and priorities of the Erasmus + program. The Institute, set up in 2007 as a joint project of UNFPA, the National Center of Public Health and Analyses and the International Youth Network Y-PEER, aims to contribute to the empowerment of young people by focusing on their sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, youth participation, civic engagement, advocacy and peace. The main objective of the Institute and the Foundation is to develop and implement effective and sustainable youth policies in these areas at regional, European and global level. Y-PEER is a ground breaking and comprehensive voluntary youth-to-youth initiative. It is a network of youth-led and youth-serving civil society organizations, governmental organizations, community based organizations, institutions, youth activists, young people, youth advocates and trainers working together on youth related issues since 2000. Y-PEER is an international network of young people and organizations working in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Equality, Gender-Based Violence, Meaningful Youth Participation, Civic Engagement and Global Peace Building, through inclusive and interactive peer education approach, in 52 countries throughout Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Middle East, North Africa and the Asia-Pacific. The International Foundation for Y-PEER Development supports the Y-PEER international network, links institutions, non-governmental organizations and young people by developing innovative training programs, creating platforms for networking and collaboration, working in the field of peer and non-formal education aimed at empowering and building the capacities of young people aged 14-30, as well as youth workers and activists, in the fields of sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, active citizenship, inclusion, intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding and the Sustainable Development Goals. The main aspects of the work of PETRI and the Foundation are therefore related to the organization of trainings for young people including youth with fewer opportunities at local, national and international level, the development of educational tools and methodologies, the organization of advocacy and information campaigns. The Foundation works actively in the field of the Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps programs and has been hosting international volunteers since 2018.