In the focus group held in Fushë-Arrëz Municipality as part of the project “Increasing and Strengthening the Role of Youth in Local Decision-Making Processes,” discussions centered on the needs of the youth in this community and the current functioning of the Youth Municipal Council. Given that Fushë-Arrëz is considered a small municipality, the youth face challenges related to limited financial and human resources. Therefore, establishing and ensuring the effective functioning of the Youth Municipal Council is crucial for addressing their needs and advocating for various concerns.
Key issues identified during the discussions included:
- A fundamental step in strengthening youth engagement is enhancing their understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and rights. By providing clear and comprehensive information, we aim to empower young individuals to take full advantage of their positions within the YMC. This involves educating them about the impact they can have and the importance of their contributions to local governance.
- Expanding the scope of participation within the YMC to include volunteers in addition to those with formal voting rights can bring fresh perspectives and energy to the council. Encouraging volunteer involvement will help in tapping into a wider pool of talent and enthusiasm, thus enriching the council’s activities and initiatives.
- Small municipalities like Fushë-Arrëz face unique challenges, particularly regarding financial and capacity constraints. Addressing these needs through targeted support will help mitigate the limitations they face and ensure that the YMC can function effectively despite these challenges. This support could include financial assistance, resource allocation, and capacity-building efforts.
- Motivating young people to join and actively participate in the YMC is essential for its success. This involves creating opportunities for youth to get involved, offering incentives, and demonstrating the value and impact of their participation. Engaging youth in meaningful ways will help in building a vibrant and dynamic council.
- Implementing specific policies designed to support and engage youth will help in creating a structured approach to youth involvement. These policies should address various aspects of youth engagement and provide a framework for their participation and contribution to municipal decision-making processes.
- Strengthening the youth and education sectors within the municipality will ensure that these areas are more active and involved in consultation processes and various hearings. This support is essential for creating an environment where youth can contribute meaningfully to decision-making and development processes.