Youth leadership in action
A qualitative study of adolescents’ participation in community development and social change initiatives in Nepal
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21501697 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Som Nepali (0000-0002-1728-7234, Department of Program, Divya Jyoti Community Organization, corresponding author), Rajesh Tamang (0000-0002-0797-0320, Department of Social Studies, Yangri Academic Center) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-12-31 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Adolescence and Youth (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0267-3843 • E-ISSN: 2164-4527 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/02673843.2026.2681930 |
| OpenAlex | W7162796675 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 35 |
This qualitative study explored how adolescents in Nepal engage in community development and social change initiatives, focusing on their leadership practices, skill development, and social impact. Conducted across urban, semi-urban, and rural districts, the study involved 28 adolescents (aged 15–19) and 14 adult facilitators, using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed that adolescent leadership extends beyond formal roles, encompassing project coordination, peer mentorship, and community advocacy. Experiential learning through hands-on projects enhanced decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork, and civic responsibility. Mentorship and peer collaboration further strengthened confidence, resilience, and ethical awareness. Barriers such as gender norms, socio-economic constraints, and cultural expectations limited participation, particularly for girls and marginalized groups, but targeted inclusion strategies mitigated these challenges. Findings underscore the importance of integrating experiential learning, mentorship, and social engagement in youth programmes. Sustained participation in structured initiatives fosters capable, socially responsible adolescents, enhancing both personal development and community resilience
Behaviour change · Community development · Community participation · Focus group · Leadership development · Positive Youth Development · Qualitative research · Social change · Youth participation · Children's Rights and Participation · Community Health and Development · Youth Development and Social Support
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Youth advisory boards
NGOization and de-NGOization of Public Action in Nepal
Diverging migration patterns in Nepal
Disconnect and capture of education decentralisation reforms in Nepal
Education in an age of radical uncertainty
Youth activists from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, reflections on their experiences of activism for social justice
Children’s right to the city
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Youth, meritocracy and cultural hierarchy in the New Nepal
Ways of learning among undergraduate urban youth in everyday life in Nepal
School leadership during violent conflict
The South Asian Spring
Preventive Educational Support for Homeless Youth
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Learning from Someone Else’s War
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Assessing Participation in Youth Community Action Projects
The Community Development for Healthy Children Initiative
A Framework for Developing Reproductive Health Policies and Programmes in Nepal
CrowdOutAids
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |