The Enhancing Youth Participation in Local Governance project is a dynamic initiative by the Zambia Transparency & Accountability Lab, focused on equipping young people in Choma District with the knowledge, skills, and platforms they need to actively participate in governance, public decision-making, and development planning at the local level.

This project recognizes the untapped potential of youth as catalysts for good governance, transparency, and accountability. By placing young people at the heart of local governance processes, we are building a generation of informed and engaged citizens who can drive meaningful change in their communities.

Objectives:

• To increase youth awareness of their roles and rights in local governance and democratic processes.
• To strengthen youth leadership and advocacy for transparency, equity, and inclusive development.
• To create safe civic spaces where youth can engage constructively with duty bearers and influence local decision-making.
• To promote youth inclusion in Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Zonal Assemblies, and other governance structures.

Key Activities:

• Youth Civic Education Sessions: Focused on governance structures, public budgeting, social accountability, and policy processes at ward and district levels.
• Youth-Led Dialogues & Debates: Platforms for young people to interact with elected leaders, policy makers, and community stakeholders.
• Mentorship and Capacity Building: Training young leaders in advocacy, community organizing, budget tracking, and monitoring of public service delivery.
• Digital Engagement Tools: Utilizing social media platforms to mobilize, inform, and engage youth in governance discussions.
• Support for Youth Representation: Advocating for the inclusion of youth representatives in WDCs and other community decision-making bodies.

Impact Highlights:

• Over 700 youth reached through training, dialogues, and digital civic engagement efforts.
• Increased youth participation in community planning meetings, budget consultations, and feedback forums.
• Formation of Youth Governance Champions across Choma District advocating for transparency and accountability.
• Improved collaboration between youth groups and local government offices, fostering trust and joint problem-solving.