By Mohamed Daramy
Young people’s participation in governance is vital for the development of any nation. Involving young people in governance helps cultivate a sense of responsibility, confidence and ownership. When they see that their opinions matter and can influence decisions, they are more likely to feel attached and connected in making a difference.
Young people involvement in decision making, particularly in governance, is not just crucial; it’s important. It can also create a sense of responsibility and in an inclusive environment. It is not just about being in a position of trust. It’s also about learning to take responsibility, work with others, and make decisions that benefit the country. Young people and adults can work together in positions of authority to make decisions and take action to strengthen governance, communities and society at large. This further ensures that decisions made by the young people in governance are informed by those who are most affected by them, the learners.
Moreover, it’s essential that the young people engaged in political processes and have a say in the political affairs of their country. Political participation by young people is not only a fundamental and democratic right but also crucial to building stable and peaceful society that responds to the specific needs of younger generations. For youth to be represented in the political processes of their country, and in particular in elections, they must first know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge, skills and capacity to participate in meaningful way at all levels. Representative and inclusive civil space for youth in governance are important for a just nation. There should be a level playing field in keeping young people in governance.
However, we see that young people often face challenges that hinder their active involvement in governance. These challenges can lead to feelings of disenchantment and lack of interest towards governance. This can result in low voter turnout among young people and a lack of representation of youth interests in decision-making processes.
Conclusively, encouraging young people to understand that they have a voice and a responsibility in governance is vital for the health of democracy. When young people actively participate in governance, they not only contribute to more dynamic and inclusive decision-making but also cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and ownership of their community’s future.
