The Youth Development Association grew out of the successful Youth Voices concert held on Valentines Day in Kamarkor Village in February, 2010. The aim of the concert was to promote positive living to Battambang youth through music, hip hop by BDB, educational workshops about HIV/AIDs, and messages about positive living within Khmer culture. The concert enlisted the help of over 100 volunteers to cater for the over 2000 participants in the festivities.After the concert, the youth volunteers considered the importance of a permanent group to actively provide opportunities for Battambang youth. Most young people who go to school and University find it difficult to find a job once they complete their studies due to a lack of a network with employers, peers, and work experience providers. Some stop studying because they are not confident in their abilities and their potential. It became evident that a Centre was needed where young people could meet and share their professional skills. Along with professional learning the Centre should provide access to traditional Khmer culture, to help students become confident and to form their own community for development in the future.
YDA will be a non-government association working with Education and Arts and culture.
People who have work already will join the youth to explain their experiences in the
workplace and encourage the youth, giving them advice on their career paths.
Many youth in Battambang are looking for one place that they can come to for learning,
vocational experience, and change in their lifestyle.