The Children, Youth and Economic Strengthening (CYES) Network is an effort, grounded in a series of partnerships across non-profit organizations, donor agencies and academics, to build a body of knowledge on effective economic strengthening programming for children and youth. It was formed in 2004, in response to a USAID workshop on supporting orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) through economic strengthening activities. Last year saw the launch of the CYES Network Learning Platform, established to further the key aims of the Network:

• Showcase the innovations and learning of CYES-focused organizations and programs
• Foster the creation of partnerships across participating organizations
• Provide a reliable source of information on the latest resources and opportunities
• Link CYES initiatives together to enhance the impact of investments in this area

The CYES Network advances these goals through strategic partnerships with key players in the field of child-focused economic strengthening, including the CPC Network. Support from the AED STRIVE Program, USAID/Displaced Children and Orphans Fund, the AED FIELD Program and The SEEP Network provides the CYES Network with several key tools:

• CYES Network Learning Platform

The Learning Platform was established to capitalize on the momentum currently exhibited in the CYES space by providing an efficient and reliable means of 1) sharing information from across diverse activities, 2) raising the profile of the most promising practices in the field and 3) informing newcomers by providing a clearinghouse of information specifically oriented towards economic strengthening for children and youth. The CYES Network welcomes contributions in the form of activity profiles, resources, event and funding announcements, and comments on expert posts.

• CYES Network Events

Through both stand-alone events and those put on through partnerships, the CYES Network aims to bring members together in an increasingly integrated fashion, expanding the reach of partner events while also pursuing opportunities to leverage the learning platform in order to provide access to those who otherwise are unable to attend. You can support these efforts but submitting upcoming event information to us for our calendar or approaching the Network with joint-sponsorship opportunities.

• CYES Network Newsletter

With an increasing number of activities underway and resources continually put out, keeping track of the latest thinking and experience in the field presents a substantial challenge to dedicated but busy professionals. The regular CYES Network Newsletter consolidates this information to keep the network up-to-date. Subscribe to the newsletter.