Young people committed to democracy and peace
"The activities we carry out have enabled many young people to have a better understanding of peacebuilding issues and their roles as young people" Franc, 20.
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Who among you is the most committed? The answer is unanimous: all the young people in Sarh Democracy Village say: Franc Maklanga.
"I'm really honored that my comrades identify me as such. It's a source of joy and encouragement," says Franc. The 20-year-old first-year biology student at Sarh University is one of 22 young volunteers involved in community mobilization activities in Sarh Democracy Village, where he oversees communications. Franc and his peers in the Democracy Village are called "notables", and their leader is the "village chief".
Every Saturday, the Village opens its doors to young people, offering a space for various activities including debates, educational talks, socializing and games such as scrabble and checkers. These activities also extend to schools, colleges, universities, and neighborhoods in the town of Sarh.
The Democracy Village is divided into several groups of at least five young people who carry out activities for their peers. The groups, divided by theme, are called neighborhoods: there are the Peacebuilding, Eco-engagement, Super Banat (model girls) and Communication neighborhoods.
The Democracy Village is a space for information, exchange, civic education for young people, mixing and dialogue. It is a place where young girls and boys can express themselves and participate freely, based on respect, tolerance, and inclusion.
Franc.
This innovative concept, developed as part of the project "Strengthening intergenerational and inter-party relations for the civic and political participation of young people in a secure and peaceful environment", implemented by UNICEF with funding from the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund, aims to promote democracy and civic participation among young people. Following Sahr’s example, the towns of Bongor, N'Djamena and Mongo, under the technical coordination of the Chad’s scout's association, are also hosting Democracy Villages.
" I discovered on the radio the opportunity to become a Democracy Village volunteer. I've always been impressed by the Scouts' commitment, so I applied and was selected to join this initiative", explains Franc.
Thanks to the training provided by UNICEF, the young people have developed their skills in leadership, communication, and multimedia content production, enabling them to better represent and promote their interests.
The activities we are carrying out as part of the project have enabled many young people to gain a better understanding of peace-building issues and their roles as young people. They have also strengthened the intermingling of young people from different organizations and religions in Sarh.
Despite this significant progress, Franc acknowledges that there are still obstacles to the full participation of young people in public life. According to him, young boys often tend to monopolize activities to the detriment of girls. In addition, the young leaders who represent their peers on decision-making bodies are sometimes reluctant to express their opinions and aspirations clearly for a variety of reasons, including personal interests and fear of reprisals.
Nevertheless, Franc remains optimistic and reassured that his peers are becoming increasingly aware of their importance and their ability to bring about positive change as part of peacebuilding.
