The toolkit is produced by the Youth in Accountability and Governance (Y.A.G) project an initiative implemented by the National Association of Youth Organizations (NAYO) through the generous support of Trust Africa. In Zimbabwe youth constitute 67.7% the majority of whom are not knowledgeable on governance issues; are marginalized and disconnected from civic processes and leave under realities shaped by their non-participation were most social services are not accessible to them.
The action seeks to build the agency of local citizens to engage proactively in issues that relate to local governance with a specific target on youth who are apathetic when it comes to local governance processes that affect their day to day lives. The action utilizes two strategies which include capacity development of youth and communities and sustained civic engagement. For many decades youth have failed to locate youth friendly information and platforms that support their effective civic participation and the project supports the production of a Youth Toolkit on Accountability and Governance.
It is hoped that in the targeted communities in which the toolkit shall be piloted through the support of Trust Africa, can contribute to a paradigm shift in how youth engage with governance and civic processes in their local communities. Their active participation and engagement have the potential to transform the lived realities of youth and position them as critical actors in ensuring good governance and social accountability flourishes at the local level. The toolkit is thus structured in this spirit making a clarion call for youth agency that lies dormant to be unleashed across communities!