Center for Youth & Community Institutional Strengthening Initiatives (CYCISI)
Decentralization processes have over decades been cumbersome and subtle efficient for governments and local authorities interventions thus, exposing the intrinsic need for youth full participation in developmental, political, social and economic activities at community level. According to youth development researchers, two obstacles to community involvement have been identified, which present direct implications for applied program and policy development. Youth not being allowed to vote or no voice in all aspects of decision-making is negatively related to community involvement. The center seeks to use these finding in this program and policy development and implementation, which will take a variety of forms. This project seek to advocate and establish the opportunity for youth to earn privilege to voting or have a voice in community decision-making process thus, making them active participants in community development efforts. Such ability send them the message that they are welcome in decision-making, that their opinions are valuable, that they are capable of good decision-making and that they have knowledge as well as understanding of issues to significantly contribute to debate. The center seek to intensify the urgent need for community dialogue on youth involvement in community development with all key stakeholder through community forums, workshops for local government departments, community development departments, training programs for community youth groups, women/girls groups and others. The project will identify key implementation agencies within local and international geographical locations for partnership and collaboration for technical and other support to strengthen local capacity groups in the implementation of this entire program.