The Youth Red Cross aims to inspire, encourage and initiate at all times, all forms of humanitarian activities so that human suffering can be minimized, alleviated and even prevented, thus contribute to creating a more congenial climate for peace.
The involvement and contribution of young people to the work of the Red Cross has an interesting history. During World War I, several countries encouraged young people to assist in Red Cross work. By 1918, formal youth sections were organized in Australia, Canada, Italy and the United States. The creation of League of Red Cross (now International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) in 1919 increased the emphasis on peacetime activities of the Red Cross through the establishment of a coordinating body for National Societies, which to a great extent helped in the expansion of youth programmes throughout the world. In 1922, the youth programme of the Red Cross was officially recognized and supported by Resolution No. XVIII adopted by the General Council of League of Red Cross Societies. Expansion of Red Cross youth programmes to young people outside the schools or other than those attending educational institution was embodied in one of the General Councils resolutions XIX. By 1935, 51 countries had sections focused on young people, with total membership of 15 million with a 3 point programme bringing the motto “I serve”. Today, about 100 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have sections dedicated to engaging young people and statistics show that as much as half of all Red Cross & Red Crescent volunteers in the world are young people.
The Indian Red Cross Society first engaged young people in its work in 1925, with the first unit being set up in Punjab in 1926, soon followed by similar units in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh. According to the International Labour Organization report, about 40 percent of the Indian total population is in the age group of 13-35 years. The Red Cross, through its youth programmes, plays an important role in channeling and guiding this young energy in the cause of humanitarian action. Where active, youth Red Cross groups offer a formidable strength both in times of emergency and times of preparedness.
