Ugunja Youth Drive Change Through Social Accountability and Policy Advocacy

In a remarkable display of commitment to fostering active citizenship, the 3-day workshop for 30 participants in Ugunja, Kenya, empowered young people with the tools and knowledge needed to drive social accountability and policy advocacy. Hosted collaboratively by the Youth Parliament and Kijiji Yeetu Community Network, this transformative event equipped participants with essential skills to become impactful agents of change within their communities.

Key Focus Areas:

  1. Digital Citizen Engagement:
    The workshop emphasized teaching ICT as a source for youth responsibilities as citizens and active in community affairs, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.
  2. ICT 4Development Tools:
    Equipped with research techniques and policy brief engagement strategies, the youth were encouraged to advocate for their communities at the county level. In Siaya County, these skills will enable them to push for policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders, particularly marginalized groups.
  3. Digital Transformation and Skills:
    Recognizing the power of technology in modern communication, the workshop provided training on digital tools for effective networking, advocacy, and driving social change. These skills empower youth to amplify their messages and connect with broader audiences.

Innovative Social Inclusion Sessions:

Beyond the core curriculum, the workshop featured groundbreaking sessions focused on inclusive development. Participants brainstormed creative solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the planning process:

  1. Youth-Led Needs Assessments: youth can identify and prioritize the concerns of marginalized communities. This ensures that the voices of those often overlooked are included in the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).
  2. Digital Platforms : where citizens, including youth, can easily access CIDP information and provide feedback. This fosters transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
  3. Youth-Policymaker Dialogues: enables meaningful conversations that address youth concerns and integrate their perspectives into the planning process, ensuring policies resonate with the realities of young people.

Impact and Outcomes:

The workshop not only educated but also inspired the youth of Ugunja. It instilled in them the confidence to take charge of their futures and contribute positively to their communities. Their innovative ideas demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges facing their society and a determination to create sustainable solutions. By leveraging their newfound knowledge and skills, these young leaders are poised to lead transformative change. They are now better equipped to hold leaders accountable, advocate for inclusive policies, and harness digital tools to amplify their impact.

This initiative exemplifies the power of community networks in nurturing leadership among the youth. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, the youth will continue standing as net wardens of tech inclusion, and participatory governance. #CommunityNetworks

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