A Community Engagement meeting was held in Chongwe, Zambia on July 1st. It was organized by the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia and Global Health Corps, and attended by 30 youth representatives. The meeting focused on governance topics such as civic engagement, human rights, and budget tracking, with emphasis on the government’s constituency development funds. The participants were transformed into social change agents ready to drive developmental agendas in their communities.
The meeting brought together youth from Chongwe to share ideas, knowledge, and develop leadership skills. The participants had diverse backgrounds but shared a common goal of being agents of change in their communities. The meeting included interactive discussions presentations by experts in the field. Topics explored included human rights, civic engagement and participation as well as CDF Administration processes, emphasizing the importance of actively participating in democratic processes and advocating for change. The participants learned that they have the power to shape governance in their communities by holding leaders accountable and engaging in decision-making processes.
The meeting focused on budget tracking and taught participants how to navigate government budgets and track the flow of funds for constituency development. This empowered them to demand transparency and accountability from elected officials. The meeting transformed participants into change agents who are now motivated to organize community forums, initiate dialogues with policymakers, and advocate for policies that address community needs. They are also equipped to effectively track the allocation and utilization of constituency development funds for community development.
The Community Engagement meeting held in Chongwe, organized by the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia in collaboration with Global Health Corps, inspired the youth to take action by imparting valuable insights, practical tools, and an understanding of civic engagement. The participants are now motivated to organize community forums, initiate dialogues with policymakers, and advocate for policies that address the needs of their community members. They are also equipped to effectively track the allocation and utilization of constituency development funds. The success of this event is a testament to the transformative power of empowering youth and engaging them in governance topics, leading to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.