Youth for change project for human development is as a result from the research done on the education of young girls to self reliance. The project proposes a ‘gender relevant’ programme, as a a result of the conviction the researcher has gained throughout this study that education of young girls to self-reliance needs to be addressed in a broad perspective in the contemporary society. The work of gender equality in our society will not blossom enough if it focuses exclusively on women. Simultaneously, the present day work on gender parity should search for the involvement of all: girls, boys, and women. The first three chapters of this project will present the work of the long essay which was written based on the research carried out in Laura Vicuna Centre in Lubumbashi in the democratic republic of Congo. The research aimed at investigating holistic ways of educating the young girls to be self-reliant. Participant observation, informal and formal interviews as well as a simple questionnaire were used as methods of collecting data. The young girls in LVC, the staff, the visitors and the sisters participated in the course of this study. The data collected was analysed by using tables, charts and graphics. The study found out that rearing practices stand as a backbone in creating a child’s world view. The education acquired at home has a great influence on the way the child will integrate the knowledge received in school as well as the relationships with friends and society at large. The researcher found out that there are four main areas of concern in the children’s rearing practices that contribute to the marginalization of the female child. These areas are named by the researcher as (1) mother image, (2) marriage, (3) finance, (4) security. The study also found out that there are behaviours and attitudes in the girl child, such as low self-esteem, lack of sel-confidence and trust which are consequences of gender biased rearing practices. Certain elements of gender disparity which are passed on through the rearing practices are rooted in cultures and traditions that consider women as weak and incapable of taking care of themselves financially, emotionally and physically. Lastly, this study recommends to all parents and educators, to approach children’ education in a holistic way. First of all that they would trust in the power, the goodness and capacity with which God has gifted each child. Then, to keep in mind that an integral education can allow young persons to be fully alive and participate actively in the life of the society, as they become protagonists of change in their own life and around them. Therefore the study ends by proposing a project for human development, whereby boys and girls learn together in a spirit of mutual respect and appreciation of the uniqueness of what each person brings to the human family. The project for human development proposes an experimental style of education through a methodology that targets the different capacities of the individual so as to journey with the young towards a holistic formation for life.