Citizenship is my Right

One of the project’s objectives was to combat the exodus from rural areas and the lack of employment opportunities for young village people. This problem remains. Concerted action with other actors from civil society politics could raise awareness among actors at the State level to address this problem.

The high quality of the technical and financial management of the project including ongoing monitoring and providing different modes of assistance helped to optimize project efficiency.

The Municipal Youth Councils are venues where young people can open a dialogue and strengthen their civic participation in institutions. The creation of these councils has not only made it possible to organize group activities for young people and heighten their visibility, but to ensure the accountability of youth council leaders. The participating youth were convinced, engaged, and well-organized; they have established concrete plans of action and in several cases managed to obtain financial support from the municipality.

The project created opportunities for young people from different groups to get to know each other through cultural and sporting events suggested by the young people themselves. These experiences have helped them appreciate the concepts of integration and acceptance of others and enabled them to understand the importance and benefits of engaging with each other, deliberating and working together, forging friendly ties between neighbouring villages, and breaking social, religious, and community taboos.

The sensitization and education of staff in municipal authorities and parents raised awareness among adults about the rights-based approach and led to a greater appreciation of the importance of supporting the participation of young people in democratic life.

The project fostered group learning processes that built trust and promoted respect for diversity. This effort has resulted in the training of a substantial number of young leaders who are actively participating in the Municipal Youth Councils and who are involved in concrete employment and social projects that address the needs of their villages.