How to Help Muslim Youth Thrive, Not Just Survive | Ivana Zajkovska | Episode 23

What if the way we talk to our kids is holding them back from becoming who they're meant to be?

In this inspiring episode of The Muslim Nonprofit Show, Tayyab Yunus speaks with Ivana Zajkovska, founder of Youth360 Thrive, about how we can change the way we engage, teach, and raise our youth.

Ivana introduces the powerful concept of Positive Youth Development (PYD) — a faith-aligned, strengths-based approach that focuses on what we want our children to achieve, not just what we want them to avoid.

🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why "Don't do this" parenting doesn't work — and what to do instead
✅ How to build confidence, purpose, and resilience in youth
✅ The 3 keys to igniting your child's inner spark
✅ How communities and masjids can raise youth who thrive, not just behave
✅ Why listening is more powerful than lecturing

This isn't just a parenting conversation — it's a mindset revolution. Every child has potential. Our job is to help them find it. 🌱

🎧 Tune in and don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

📌Connect and Follow Ivana Zajkovska :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-zajkovska/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialyouth360/
Website: https://www.youth360thrive.org/

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ivana Zajkovska, Founder of Youth360 Thrive
01:10 – The Aha Moment That Sparked a Movement
03:20 – What Is Positive Youth Development (PYD)?
05:45 – Why "Don't Do That" Doesn't Work Anymore
08:30 – Shifting From Rules to Relationships
10:15 – Every Child Has a Spark — How to Help Them Find It
12:40 – From Theory to Practice: How Communities Can Apply PYD
14:50 – Listening Over Lecturing: A Parent's Most Powerful Tool
16:30 – Final Advice for Parents: Build, Don't Fix
17:00 – Closing Reflections and Youth360 Resources

Our children aren't problems to be solved, they're potential waiting to unfold. When we stop managing behavior and start nurturing purpose, we help them discover the strength that was always within. Let's build homes, schools, and masjids that ignite fires, not just silence noise.

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