Strategy and Systems Thinking
Community Youth Mapping
In Lima, Perú, youth find themselves at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. As one of the city’s most vulnerable demographics, they navigate a complex landscape shaped by the tension between long-standing cultural values and the pressures of rapid globalization. Caught between preserving familiar ways of life and adapting to evolving global and socio-economic influences, young people in Lima face growing challenges—and opportunities—within this shifting environment.
The goal of this research project was to explore the realities youth in Lima Norte confront and the systems that shape their everyday experiences; aiming to understand their needs and how available services are tackling those needs.
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A Glimpse of the Process
The team conducted user-centred, participatory research with the organization’s youth and community leaders. They executed the study in a multicultural and bilingual environment to identify the services and resources available for youth in Lima, Perú to develop sustainable livelihoods in the country. The research process included:
Literature Review & Environmental Scan to situate the research within existing knowledge and map the current landscape of youth support systems.
Initial Stakeholder Consultations to define research objectives collaboratively with community leaders and youth representatives.
Development of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Research Tools, including bilingual surveys, interview guides, and workshop materials.
Focus Groups and In-Depth Interviews with youth to gather qualitative insights into their needs, aspirations, and perceived barriers to sustainable livelihoods.
Community Mapping Activities to visually identify and assess local services, resources, and opportunities available to young people.
Collaborative Data Analysis Sessions with organizational staff and youth leaders to co-create actionable recommendations grounded in lived experiences.
This participatory approach ensured that the research was not only inclusive and context-specific but also empowered youth to be active agents in shaping outcomes that affect their futures.
