Young Belizean Voices Rise in Governance Power Shift

After fourteen weeks of training, young Belizeans are stepping up. Led by Galen University lecturer Zain Dueheney, a two-year, CARSI-funded program is teaching youth the importance of good governance and accountability. It wrapped up today with a national forum at the Biltmore Plaza, where participants reflected on what they’ve learned, and their role in building a more informed, engaged Belize.

 

Zain Dueheney, Criminal Justice Program Coordinator, Galen University

“This is one of the project activities that look at youth component. It is three components we are looking at, which is youth, teacher and municipal staff. so this is the closing ceremony for the youth component of the program. It is a fourteen week program that had two in person workshops that looks at strengthening awareness and sensitizing them on how governance works, especially how they can play an active role in being better engaged as citizens. We look at that participatory approach to governance. All of them have a part to play.”

 

Fernando Vega, Student, Galen University

“Personally it did expand my skills. As I mentioned, I am a peer mentor. It expanded my knowledge within my leadership skills, being able to communicate with my peers, giving them that initiative to be that person they look up to and be like, ok Fernando is a leader within the group and portraying itself within that  aspect.”

 

The forum features presentations on the importance of voting and the Freedom of Information Act.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: