By: Haruna Kuyateh
With financial boost from United Nations Peace Building Fund (UNPBF) and United Nations Children Fund ( UNICEF) the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) organized a two-day awareness raising sessions for fifty ( 50) Inter Party Youths Branch YOBIC Members and Regional Youths Committee on Democracy, Tolerance, and Social Cohesion has begun. Under the Joint UN Strengthening Women’s Political Participation and Leadership through Reformed Legislation, Community-level Leadership, and Political Parties’ Engagement in the Gambia project.
The event which took place in Kerewan, North Bank Region on Youth Participation, adopted the slogan ‘’Making Your Voice Heard’’.
The objective is to contribute in raising awareness and inspiring a new generation of young politicians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and youth leaders is the primary goal of upholding democratic principles, promoting tolerance, and working towards the betterment of their communities and Societies.
Yusupha Bojang, Programme Manager noted that the orientation aimed to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become more informed, engaged, and responsible citizens, to actively and meaningfully participate in the nation’s democratic processes, and to promote social cohesion. The forum would contribute and empower youths and dispel misconception surrounding democracy and respect for rule of law. He noted that freedom of expressions and associations should be respected, noting democracy encourage political tolerance and accept diversity of opinions.
NCCE Programme Manager said intimation and insults are unacceptable in any civilize society and therefore young should not be allow to use to break the law and instead should be role model in promoting democratic principles. Lamin Sima Regional Youths Coordinator for NBR described the convergence as crucial in strengthening public awareness on important of youth’s participation in democracy and maintain of peace and stability. He said such gathering is to prepare youths and women’s to take up positive roles to participate in constructive political debates, and develop sense of understanding on different diversity on politic and democratic dispensation to enhance decision making and social cohesion.
SIDIA B Sillah Regional Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Officer noted that democracy is not about election and alluded that to the fact that youths play an important role in electoral cycles being of election stakeholders is not easy. IEC is always prepared to conduct free and fair elections and promote all-inclusiveness is crucial and there is always need to dialogue and educate others on peaceful elections. He said youths need to work for progress and committed through tolerance, develop skills and promote openness in ensuring a successful outcome of the engagement. IEC Regional Officer hailed effort of NCCE and other stakeholders in promoting political tolerance dialogue and consolidate democratic gains and peace election.
Kemo Jawara Inter Party Youths Vice Chairperson uses the moment to call on youths to disseminate the outcomes of the engagement and share information on various youths, women and political platforms to educate masses on political tolerance and respect political opinions.
Aja Gass Lowe Women Bureau Focal Person call on women to seek for decision making positions, noting that government and development partners provide space to empower women to actively participate in decision making process. Madam Lowe reiterated that such engagement would contribute and enlighten women and youths to see each other as partners in decision making at all levels.
Overview of democratic values and their importance in promoting a just and inclusive society, History and Objectives of the IPC: Mutual Peace Accord in focus, Breaking Barriers: explore obstacles that hinder youth’s Political Participation and Leadership, and proffer strategies to overcome them, Overview of leadership skills ,effective communication strategies for conveying messages, engaging with stakeholders and mobilizing political support, Role of young people in promoting democratic values and social cohesion; Strategies and Best Practices for building bridges among different groups, Duties of Citizens in Perspective: The role of young politicians in advancing decent politics and ensuring accountability in political systems, Conflict Resolution Mechanism: Exploring tools and techniques for promoting dialogue, resolving conflicts, and building bridges among different group, Examine the importance of youth engagement and participation in political processes as well as identify strategies for promoting Tolerance and peaceful coexistence in a diverse society