Afghanistan is in a period of transition. By the end of 2014, the majority of international forces will have withdrawn from the country and Afghanistan’s national security forces will take over full responsibility. This process of transition from dependence towards self-reliance is the essence of adolescence which is why this is considered the most critical stage of a person’s life. It is during this time that young people acquire the skills, confidence and knowledge necessary to move into adulthood. As Afghanistan moves towards self-reliance, so do its people. Nearly two in three people are below the age of 25. Almost half of the population is below 15 years of age. Providing these young people with the environment and resources they need to grow into a new generation of healthy, productive and empowered young women and men is one of the Afghanistan’s core challenges.