Andhra Youth Commission Transforming Lives Through Faith and Service

The Youth Commission of Andhra Jesuit Province stands as a beacon of transformation in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, touching over 55,000 young lives through its multifaceted initiatives. Operating through the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF), the Youth Empowering Service – Jesuits (YES-J), and several parish youth programmes, the commission embodies the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus in every aspect of its mission.

Founded on the principles of Faith Formation, Leadership Development, and Social Transformation, the Youth Commission works through three main channels: YES-J, which focuses on skill development and empowerment; AICUF, which nurtures student leadership and social consciousness; and parish youth ministry, which strengthens faith formation at the grassroots level. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive youth development across both urban and rural areas of the Telugu states.

Core Programmes and Impact

The ‘Summer Shapes’ programme stands as a beacon of hope for rural youth, offering intensive 30-day residential training in English communication and life skills. This programme has empowered over 1,000 rural youth across seven batches, providing them with tools for upward mobility and professional growth.

Through the innovative ‘Each One – Teach Ten’ initiative, YES-J establishes learning centres in underprivileged areas, where student “ignitors” provide quality education while gaining valuable teaching experience. Seven such centres have enhanced literacy and numeracy skills for over 200 students from slums and rural areas.

The ‘Scholar Support Programme’ (SSP) serves as a lifeline for academically gifted but financially challenged Catholic students, supporting over 150 scholars from 20+ institutions in pursuing higher education. This programme exemplifies the commission’s commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through education.

The ‘Personality Enhancement Programme’ (PEP) has reached a remarkable scale, conducting over 100 specialized workshops at 75+ educational institutions. These tailor-made sessions in soft skills, life skills, and personality development have benefited more than 50,000 students and teachers, helping them face life’s complexities with confidence.

Vocational Empowerment and Employment

The ‘Multi-Skill Training’ (MuST) programme offers comprehensive vocational training in professional welding, tailoring, information technology, and driving-mechanics. Over 500 youth and women from 30+ rural communities have received certification, enabling them to secure stable employment or become entrepreneurs.

The ‘Jobs for Youth’ (JoY) Desk complements these efforts by connecting trained youth with employment opportunities. Through job fairs and placement drives, 90+ youth have been placed in various sectors, working with 10+ partner companies.

Youth Leadership and Spiritual Formation

The ‘Men and Women Aiming at Greater Initiatives for Change’ (MAGIC Youth) operates active units in five educational institutions, impacting 1,500+ students through leadership and social action programmes. These units lead change through unique social awareness campaigns and community initiatives.

The ‘Organizing God-Oriented Days’ (O GOD) programme has guided over 3,000 young people across 25+ institutions in deepening their spiritual life through retreats, interfaith dialogues, and faith formation sessions.

AICUF and Parish Youth Ministry

AICUF has experienced a significant revival since 2019, establishing ten vibrant units across the region. It’s successful hosting of the National Council and Consultation at YES-J Centre demonstrates its renewed vigour in youth formation.

The commission actively engages with parish youth through regular programmes, retreats, and leadership training sessions. These parish-level interventions ensure that youth ministry reaches grassroots communities, fostering spiritual growth and social responsibility among young Catholics.

Community Engagement and Crisis Response

‘Compassion Connect’ emerged as an innovative bridge between institutional resources and community needs. During crisis situations, this programme mobilized over 100 student volunteers, reaching more than 1,200 families across 15 communities with comprehensive relief worth one crore (around 10 million dollars).

Infrastructure and Future Direction

The YES-J Centre for Excellence, established in Andhra Loyola College campus, serves as a hub for all these activities. Built through community support and collaboration, it represents the commission’s commitment to youth development.

Alignment with the Universal Apostolic Preferences

All programmes of the Youth Commission align seamlessly with the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus. Through spiritual formation and value-based leadership training, they show the way to God. By focusing on marginalized communities and providing educational support, they walk with the excluded. The comprehensive youth development programmes demonstrate the commitment to accompanying young people, while environmental awareness and social responsibility initiatives contribute to caring for our common home.

Looking Forward

The Youth Commission continues to evolve its approach to meet emerging challenges, focusing on:

• Expanding digital inclusion initiatives
• Enhancing skill development programmes
• Strengthening industry partnerships
• Building mentorship networks
• Developing new programmes for emerging youth needs

The commission’s work exemplifies the Jesuit commitment to forming young people as agents of positive change. Through its diverse programmes and initiatives, it continues to transform lives and communities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, embodying the spirit of Magis and working toward a more just and equitable society.

This integrated approach, combining spiritual formation, educational support, skill development, and social action, ensures that young people are equipped to face contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in Jesuit values and social responsibility.