The Intergenerational Approach to Development: Bridging the Generation Gap

Despite considerable interest in intergenerational approaches in programs targeted to adolescents, documentation on what the approach incorporates is scarce. There is even less information on the number, type and success of programs undertaking this approach. Implementing projects that involve youth-adult collaboration has been difficult, largely due to limited understanding of the conditions in which youth-adult interactions are most likely to be successful. Furthermore, the absence of a clear and commonly agreed upon conceptual framework to guide implementation of the IG approach inhibits a proper evaluation of its effectiveness. Realizing the importance of the IG approach for the development of adolescents, in January 2003 the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) commissioned ICRW to assess if and how an intergenerational approach can enhance positive adolescent development and to provide direction for incorporating this approach in programmatic efforts. Information Brief