Examining the Contribution of Youth Participation to Community Development: Mediating Role of Positive Youth Development in Ethiopia: A PLS-SEM Analysis

This study explores how youth participation contributes to community development through Positive Youth Development (PYD), defined by competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring. Based on a survey of 593 youth (ages 15–29), findings reveal that PYD partially mediates the link between youth participation and social, economic, and civic progress. Youth engagement showed a direct effect of 0.211 and an indirect effect of 0.631, accounting for 75% of the relationship. The results underscore the importance of empowering youth through decision-making and skill-building. Strengthening PYD is essential for sustainable development and community transformation led by young people.