What is the Four Base Concept?

The Four Base concept is a youth development process aimed at identifying and developing youth potential.  This was developed based on our work in the youth sector over the years. Each of the Four Bases represent a stage of development in a young person’s life.  It aims to provide a pragmatic approach to youth development and deals with issues of identity, responsibility and positive contribution to society.  

All Four Bases have an important role in youth development. However, all too often too much emphasis is placed on the Second and Third Bases where there is a strong focus to put youth into employment, training etc as quickly as possible without having first identified basic skills which are often lacking for the youth.  Without basic, foundational life skills, young people can struggle in environments where they are placed e.g. employment.

In this context, First Base is critical but can often be undervalued (e.g. lack of funding, resources etc) in the youth system even though it is a fundamental part of the youth development process.  Factors such as engaging in relationships, building trust, identifying and learning from protocols, rules, boundaries etc lay the foundational cornerstone for youth to be able to go on to other Bases and/or contribute positively to society.

Some factors affecting the development and integration of youth into society:

• -       disadvantaged youth not engaging in society
• -       disadvantaged youth finding gang affiliation as a secure base
• -       youth not adapting to new environments
• -       youth not being exposed to new environments
• -       large number of unskilled /unqualified young people
• -       young people becoming dependant on the state instead of contributing to the economy

First Base (The landing/secure base)

The First Base is a secure, physical setting (hall, meeting place) where young people come because they feel safe and accepted. All young people are able to attend, it is free and open to all regardless of background.

The structure of First Base is very flexible and can be adapted to different communities and groups. First Base is not solely about the activities that occur at this Base, but rather, it is about establishing boundaries, fundamental life skills, discipline and rules, which sometimes may be lacking in some young peoples lives.  It is also about establishing positive relationships through trust, which can often be missing.  Attending First Base is intended to be an environment where youth from all backgrounds can attend but in many instances demonstrate the characteristics of at-risk youth. 

Second Base (The development phase)

Second Base is the next stage in the youth development process.  Second Base introduces structure, work based protocols, responsibilities and consequences.  Those nurtured in the First Base who are identified as being capable and ready to step up to the next level are offered entry into Second Base. The premise is that youth will be able to utilize these foundational skills such as respect, courtesy and common sense at the Second Base.

Second Base may be a new and challenging environment for the youth in transition from First Base.  It may also have new protocols, but it should have familiar people from First Base to support the transition.  In this stage the youth should benefit in the following ways:

1.   Socialisation:

2.   Responsibilities:

3.   Outcome: Youth grow in experience and confidence and the expectation is that they will learn that if they put time, effort and skills into a project/employment etc they will get something positive in return e.g. money, opportunities, recognition.

 Third Base (Independence phase)

The Third Base is the independence phase in the youth development process.  At Third Base, youth are encouraged to embark on their own journey. The youth will be provided support in finding opportunities in the community such as employment, education etc, however, the youth are expected to engage in the new environment on their own merits and skills.  The expectation is that by learning basic, foundational skills at First Base and then utilising and developing these skills further in Second Base, the youth will be well equipped to succeed on their own at Third Base.

The environment maybe new and the youth may feel vulnerable as they maybe in an environment on their own for the first time. However, the ability to recognise protocols/boundaries installed in the earlier Bases should be familiar and assist them in Third Base.

Fourth Base (The sustainable phase)

The Fourth Base is the final phase in the youth development process.  This Base is focused on sustainability.  In other words, those who successfully transition through Bases 1, 2 and 3 are able to contribute positively to society whether it is through employment, education, training etc and utilise their potential.  Some of the youth that complete the development process may return to First Base to share their learning s and experiences with other youth.