Action Aid International The Gambia is partnering with regional authorities to launch an exciting new project called Empowering Marginalized Young People for Inclusion in Civic Space and Local Infrastructure for Peace (YPI). The initiative, funded by the UN Peace Building Fund, will run from 2024 to 2026 under the slogan "Voice Your Choice, Shape Our Future."
Over the weekend, Action Aid representatives met with officials from the Governor's Office and Kerewan Area Council to discuss the project. They engaged in a five-day stakeholder consultation with regional authorities, focusing on increasing youth participation in decision-making processes.
YPI will be implemented in four Local Government Areas: Kerewan, Kuntaur, Janjanbureh, and Mansakonko Area Councils. The two-year project aims to strengthen youth representation and participation in key decision-making structures like district tribunals, Village Development Committees (VDCs), and Ward Development Committees (WDCs).
Fafa O Cham, Head of Programme and Policy at Action Aid International The Gambia, emphasized the importance of meaningful dialogue between youth and duty-bearers in addressing community challenges. He assured regional authorities of Action Aid's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and peace.
The project also plans to review the Tribunal Act of 1993 and include Women's Tribunal Courts to empower women and enhance justice delivery services. Binta ML Ceesay, Women Rights Manager, commended the Kerewan Area Council for passing a resolution to appoint seven women as tribunal members in district courts across the North Bank Region.
Government officials from the Ministry of Youths and Sports and the Governor's Office expressed gratitude for Action Aid's unwavering support and contributions. Sainabou Martin Sonko, CEO of Kerewan Area Council, welcomed the project's focus on strengthening democratic governance through VDCs and WDCs.
Ms. Sonko believes that including youth in these committees will lead to better prioritization of development projects. She pledged the council's full support for the capacity building of staff, councilors, VDCs, and WDCs, noting that the council has already started providing educational packages for individuals pursuing higher education.
With its emphasis on youth empowerment, women's rights, and local governance, the YPI project has the potential to transform civic engagement and decision-making processes in The Gambia. Action Aid's collaboration with regional authorities promises to create a more inclusive and peaceful future for marginalized young people.
Over the weekend, Action Aid representatives met with officials from the Governor's Office and Kerewan Area Council to discuss the project. They engaged in a five-day stakeholder consultation with regional authorities, focusing on increasing youth participation in decision-making processes.
YPI will be implemented in four Local Government Areas: Kerewan, Kuntaur, Janjanbureh, and Mansakonko Area Councils. The two-year project aims to strengthen youth representation and participation in key decision-making structures like district tribunals, Village Development Committees (VDCs), and Ward Development Committees (WDCs).
Fafa O Cham, Head of Programme and Policy at Action Aid International The Gambia, emphasized the importance of meaningful dialogue between youth and duty-bearers in addressing community challenges. He assured regional authorities of Action Aid's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and peace.
The project also plans to review the Tribunal Act of 1993 and include Women's Tribunal Courts to empower women and enhance justice delivery services. Binta ML Ceesay, Women Rights Manager, commended the Kerewan Area Council for passing a resolution to appoint seven women as tribunal members in district courts across the North Bank Region.
Government officials from the Ministry of Youths and Sports and the Governor's Office expressed gratitude for Action Aid's unwavering support and contributions. Sainabou Martin Sonko, CEO of Kerewan Area Council, welcomed the project's focus on strengthening democratic governance through VDCs and WDCs.
Ms. Sonko believes that including youth in these committees will lead to better prioritization of development projects. She pledged the council's full support for the capacity building of staff, councilors, VDCs, and WDCs, noting that the council has already started providing educational packages for individuals pursuing higher education.
With its emphasis on youth empowerment, women's rights, and local governance, the YPI project has the potential to transform civic engagement and decision-making processes in The Gambia. Action Aid's collaboration with regional authorities promises to create a more inclusive and peaceful future for marginalized young people.
