CCYA ends Conference on Youth Engagement in Democratization Process
Over one hundred and fifty youths concluded a one day national dialogue conference at the Atlantic Hall National Stadium, on organizing youths to engage in the democratization process in Sierra Leone pioneered by the center for the coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA) in collaboration with Youth Action Network (YAN) (Photo: Left–CCYA National Coordinator Ngolo Katta and cross section of stakeholders at the high table )
The conference was technically and financially supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) UNESCO and Action Aid International Sierra Leone aimed at refreshing and empowering youth to understand the electoral laws, offences and the electoral courts and also contemporary issues on the November 17 election.
According to Ngolo Katta the Coordinator of (CCYA) the overall goal of the capacity building training is to enhance and strengthen the skills of youth for meaningful political engagement in the country’s democratic process.
He added that the objective of the conference is to also promote meaningful participation of youth in the electoral process, by building their capacities through trainings that will enable them gain skills and knowledge through the facilitation of dialogue sessions designed to prevent elections-related violence, and enhance political tolerance.
Cross -section of Youth in Action (Peace Ambassadors) at the dialogue conference
The CCYA Coordinator stated that they plans to promote transparency and accountability in district and community development processes through facilitation of knowledge building that will promote young people’s active participation in the development and delivery of pro poor programmes at district and community levels.
He added that based on previous experience, a training manual covering modules on leadership and social change; electoral education; conflict management; non-violent communication; the Public Elections Act, was designed to serve as a guide for facilitators, leading the training sessions.
CCYA he said is working in collaboration the launch of the Youth Action Network (Ambassadors of Peace) which will serve as a vehicle to promote “violence-free” elections, in the period leading to, during, and after the election.
The Inspector of General Police Francis Munu told participants of the conference to resist violence and embrace peace during and after the election and suggested for a peaceful engagement on political issues. While the Youth Commissioner Anthony Koroma implored youths to maintain the peace during and after election.
Delivering the keynote address the Commissioner of the National Electoral Commissioner (NEC) Miatta French said youth plays a pivotal role in the democratic process and that they should engage their political leaders responsibly without violence.
The one day national dialogue conference was chaired by Thomas Johnny the Development Finance Coordinator of Action Aid International, Sierra Leone while several stakeholders made meaningful contribution towards youth in the democratization process.
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