YFLD

Description

Youth empowerment is a process where young people are encouraged to take charge of their lives. They do this by addressing their situation and then take action in order to improve their access to resources and transform their consciousness through their beliefs, values, and attitudes. Youth empowerment aims to improve quality of life. Youth empowerment is achieved through participation in youth empowerment programs.

At the core of youth empowerment is the belief that young people are capable of incredible things. When young people have exposure to inspiring ideas and opportunities and the tools to build their confidence – they can take on anything and everything.

An empowered young person recognizes their capabilities, self-determination and worth. They feel comfortable trying new things. They have the confidence to take risks and are aware that failure is a step toward progress, not a sign to give up. They don’t use the opinions of others as their guideposts in life. They stand up for their values.

Strengthening the importance of the empowerment of young people as active citizens so that they can bring democracy alive, in particular at local level, in a highly polarized context where democratic values are disputed through social media networks with disinformation and hate speech, frequently leading to hate-crime, the undermining of democracy and breaking social cohesion. All around the world, the young are striving to be heard as citizens and are pushing for democracy, a universal aspiration that ensures decent living conditions and dignity for all.

Political participation of young people

Youth Political Participation in Local Governments

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