In response to the growing sense of apathy among young people regarding voting on 8 May, the Democracy Works Foundation in partnership with the In Transformation Initiative launched the Democracy Works Academy.
Project manager at the academy Noxolo Ntaka said, “Not enough is being done to harness the youth population of South Africa. Young people are pushed to the sidelines in government, communities, businesses and civil society organisations with no real effort to include them in decision making.”
Ntaka added that according to the United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund (Unicef) generation 2030 Africa report, Africa’s child population was set to rise by two thirds to almost a billion children by 2050. This highlights the fact that more should be done to harness the continent’s emerging youth demographic beyond policy discussions.
The flagship seven-month academy will equip a diverse group of 30 young people to strengthen democracy with the responsibility to serve in spheres of government, civil society, business and community.
“We have reached out to community-based organisations to draw out a diverse group of young people in the political space, corporate space and civil society space. They all have an interest in strengthening democratic challenges,” said Ntaka.
Participants take part in the academy on a part-time basis, committing to between two and four hours a week to complete work on an online platform and attend three week-long residential seminars.
“We want to get young people engaged in public forums and discussions, equipped to become young leaders who are eager to make a difference and implement community projects.
“Academy participants need to become engaged in vigorous debate, challenging their ideas and perceptions. This academy shall build a strong network of individuals driven by similar goals that will filter into all sectors of society in order to uphold accountability, integrity, honour and ethical practice.”
Details: www.democracyworks.org.za
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