Project to engage youths in governance

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 12:00:23 +0000

THE NGO Action Governance Forum has embarked on a youth project that allows young people to understand issues of governance.

Executive director Justin Mushoke observed that youths were the majority and therefore need to be engaged in various projects so that they are part of the decision-making process.

Mr Mushoke said his organization, with the support from Queen Elizabeth Diamond Trust and other partners, has identified youths in some parts of the country who can also participate in the decision-making programme.

He said the “youth and council dialogue decision making’’ meetings would help young people understand governance at the grassroots level.

Mr Mushoke said it is encouraging that the government has launched the decentralization policy that will see the participation of youths from the local level.

“Young people sometimes engage in illicit activities not because we do not have resources to keep them busy, but they lack involvement in the decision-making process,” he said.

Mr Mushoke said President Edgar Lungu has shown willingness to work with youths by engaging young people in the governance system.

“The project has come at a right time when there is this policy that will allow youths to participate. We do not want to see youths being used as tools of violence as that was a draw back to the country’s development,” he said.

Mr Mushoke said councillors are critical partners as they play a big role in the communities and also understand challenges faced by the people.