Established in 1986, the JEP has played a pivotal role in facilitating the development of youth policy in post apartheid South Africa and in developing and replicating quality youth programmes.

The JEP works with young people between the ages of 14 and 35 (the South African definition of youth) throughout South Africa. JEP works in partnership with the government, community organisations, Non Governmental Organisations and volunteers.

The JEP firmly believes that:

• the range of social, educational, economic, psychological, spiritual issues affecting young people must be addressed in a sustainable and comprehensive manner;

• healthy young people need healthy communities;

• young people can be their own agents of change;

• a range of integrated oppurtunities should be created for and by young people that harness their gifts as well as address their immediate needs;

• partnerships between government and the broadest range of civil society institutions is key to delivering large scale and sustainable programmes and services to young people.

Vision of JEP

Young people have the inherent right to contribute and be nurtured by South African society. JEP seeks to achieve a society, which recognises and responds to the full range of needs and gifts of young men and women.

Mission of JEP

The JEP mission is to harness the energy and leadership potential of young people so that they may become advocates of change within their own communities. By using integrated approaches to youth development, the JEP believes that change will benefit the community and ensure that oppurtunities are created that meet the needs of young people and maximises their gifts and talents.

Strategic Focus Areas

• Youth Service within Community Development
  
  Through youth service programmes we assist young people to be involved in the reconstruction and development of their own communities and in doing so, change their own lives. Another aim is to assist young people to access and create viable oppurtunities for themselves and to mobilise communities to provide a caring, nurturing environment for young people. In this way we locate youth development within broader community development
  

• Advocacy and Knowledge Development
  
  Our Advocacy and Knowledge Development work focuses on sharing and documenting JEP's learning and experiences so as to influence the formulation of policy and programmes of key National and Provincial Government departments.
  

• Training of Service Providers
  
  This focuses on developing and sharing knowledge with other youth services providers and to specifically train others in ways of implementing more effective youth development programmes.

Organisational Structure