PRIA@40

This action research project focussed on current initiatives, best practices and lessons learnt through various methodologies. Its objective was to collect and collate secondary information on the role of youth in local governance. Detailed study was undertaken only in Sri Lanka.

Objectives

To collect and collate information and critically re-examine current youth programme initiatives, their relevance and utility in the context of youth engagement in local self-governance.
To identify best practices in different areas of youth participation in local self-governance and encourage learning from action and reflection to initiate new action and its replication.
To obtain feedback on youth perceptions about various developmental programmes and governance, and the type of programmes they themselves want to plan and participate in at the local level.
To identify the gender dimension in respect of participation of youth at the local level.
To identify gaps in current policies/programmes/schemes on the basis of literature review and field visits, and put forth suggestions/recommendations to address the issue of youth and local self-governance on the basis of these findings.

Geographical spread

India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Bangladesh

Key areas/components

The study entailed participatory action research (qualitative in nature) with detailed exploration of young people’s engagement in local self-governance and their perceptions of local government and politics. Both primary and secondary data were generated to critically examine the current policies, programmes, initiatives, actions and best practices. Cases of best practice were identified on the basis of secondary information, field visits and dialogue with stakeholders. Mapping of primary and secondary data was undertaken. In the mapping exercise, schemes/programmes and other measures were analysed. Analysis was followed by field visits to gauge the reality and then suggestions/recommendations were made.

Key outputs

The study suggested the roles and spaces for youth to engage in local self-governance

Year/period

2009

Client