Youth councils influence the election of the municipal authorities

Youths get together with the Mayor candidates and let them know about the importance on attending the children needs in San Pedro Carchá Municipality.

One of Plan’s work strategies in Guatemala is to strengthen the participation of citizens in democratic processes and encourage communities to assume their share of responsibility for the observance of five basic rights: Health, Education, Water and Sanitation, Protection and Participation.

During Guatemala’s General Elections in September this year, mayoralty candidates in 21 municipalities covered by Plan were invited to participate in a forum organized by children and youths in each locality. Each Program Unit supported the organization and initiatives of participating youths.

This is the first time candidates have been questioned by groups of children and youths, who made concrete proposals based on needs the children identified as being most important.

The youth council presented their priorities to the mayor candidates in Morales Municipality.

“We would like them to tell us how they expect to support us, because we do not want these proposals to just remain on paper.” Alicia, 16 years old, was interviewed by news media and shared her expectations in the mayoral forum held in the Rabinal municipality.

During the current year, approximately 1,200 youths have received training about children’s rights and become youth promoters of children’s rights in their communities. They have organized 39 events to present community leaders with the results of studies about issues related to children and made three presentations at the municipal level.

These activities are bridging the divide between municipality and community, promoting joint development efforts that are more sustainable over time.

The process is new and there is still much to learn, but the path to strengthening the social fabric and the processes for informed participation by community members is being clearly drawn, to demand that duty bearers provide basic services in their areas.

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