Youth and Sangkat Authorities to Promote Public Services in Community

­­­Youth is a strong driving force for social development, economic growth, modernization, and social adjustments. Therefore, their involvement and participation in social activities provides a dedicated support for future development. Participation in the development of their community is a fundamental right that everyone is entitled to. Being equipped with proper tools, education, and information, enhances the effectiveness of youth participation, according to The United Nations Youth.

Youth participation can link youth positively with authorities to better understand their rights, involvement, and to identify areas for improvement in the community.

Srong Sreypin, 16, is a high school student from Sambourmeas high school Kampong Cham. As she is interested in the development of her community, she volunteered to join the Youth Leadership to Promote Responsive Governance and Entrepreneurship project of AFD supported by USAID’s WE Act. Sreypich actively engaged in the training and events including youth leadership, Implementation of the Social Accountability Framework, socioeconomic rights, and youth entrepreneur and business development and others.

Thanks to her active participation, she was selected as a youth leader, and she led 24 youth members in a series of small project activities that engaged authorities. Although she was busy with her school, she managed her schedule to take part in projects such as meeting with local authorities to promote Sangkat public services in her community.

Sreypin mentioned that “My participation with AFD’s project was beneficial to me, my team members, people in my community, and authorities.” “I am proud to do social activities and participate in my community development process. It is a good working experience, and I also strengthen my capacity through the trainings I received.”, she added.

In addition, Sreypin was able to exercise her socio-economic rights and increase knowledge, leadership skill and confidence. She became more experienced and braver in public speaking.

Action For Development (AFD) is a leading local NGO in environmental protection, gender, good governance, and climate change by encouraging the ability, experiences and skills of the communities and stakeholders for a better community livelihood. AFD’s mission is to empower the local communities to use the right-based approach for preserving biodiversity in equitable use of natural resources and good governance toward building climate change resilience for better livelihoods.

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