Equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to understand their democratic rights.
The Kudziwa Ishiwi Project “My Voice” is championing the involvement of young people in decision-making processes. Through the Ishiwi “My Voice” Program, we support young people by providing an accessible media platform where they can learn about civic and governance issues. The platform encourages discussions among young people on governance and policy making and ultimately motivates them to take more action and be involved in decisions that will affect their future.
Kudziwa- Ishiwi ‘My Voice’ project is jointly implemented with BBC Media Action and funded by The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) The project is aimed at increasing the engagement of young people in governance and decision-making process, empowering them to hold their leaders accountable
“Educational talks in schools, communities and on radio are central to this programme. It helps encourage young people to voice their opinion on governance matters that affect them. They also provide an opportunity for young people to interact with those in power and hold decision makers accountable in order to bring about change and development in their society.“
Mary Bwalya, a young change-maker presenting a position paper on the state of young people in Zambia during National Youth Day Commemorations
With the increase in the Community Development Fund allocations and the enactment of the constitution of Zambia amendment act number 2 of 2016, which advocates for a devolved system of governance, there’s an emphasis on community engagement in development initiatives. At the forefront of this movement are ward development committees (WDCs) which are recognized as vital subdistrict structures for community involvement. Leveraging this framework, the Ishiwi Project has been advocating for the integration of young voices within these committees.
Educational talks in schools, communities and on radio are central to this programme. It helps encourage young people to voice their opinion on governance matters that affect them. They also provide an opportunity for young people to interact with those in power and hold decision makers accountable in order to bring about change and development in their society. For example, the Kudziwa Ishiwi project introduced the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to community leaders and local governments in both Chingola and Kabwe districts.
The project also facilitated training for young people, including women, in meaningful youth engagement techniques, strengthened their capacity in their communities to take on leadership roles in the political sphere. Governance sessions held under the project inspired more young people to actively engage in key community decision-making processes with some young people running for political offices.
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