Since Bhutan's transition to democracy in 2008, public participation in community planning has remained limited, with continued reliance on government leadership. A common misconception in communities is that only those above 18 can take part in consultations, excluding younger voices. Yet children under 18 make up 31.4% of the population (PHCB, 2017). This project aims to empower youth and community leaders to promote inclusive, people-centred participation in local development.
Since Bhutan's shift to democracy in 2008, public participation in community planning remain limited, with strong dependence on the Government. Children under 18, who make up 31.4% of the population (PHCB, 2017), face even greater barriers to having their voices heard in policymaking. This project aims to empower students to claim space and lead inclusive, people-centred community development. The project will take a targeted approach to include children from remote and vulnerable communities.
Building up the capacity of the youth in the community (through using the school system) to both understand the importance of participatory and inclusive needs-based planning and champion giving the community needs their voice, as well as in educating their family members and community on the importance of proper planning and implementation to foster development and growth of the district. The youth leaders will also be enabled to work with Local Government and central government officials.
Children are empowered to find their voice and claim space to be heard, becoming influential in shaping policies that affect their lives and communities. They begin to see their potential beyond academic achievement, growing into change agents and leaders in their own right. They grow up to take charge of leading the national and global development agenda as active global citizens.
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