Youth Leadership Program
Center for Child Development (CFCD) has taken a significant stride in its mission to empower resettled communities with the successful implementation of the “Support for Social Cohesion of Resettled Communities” (RNE) project. Funded by the UNDP and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, this endeavor aims to foster social harmony and empower the younger generation through various initiatives.
One of the flagship activities under the RNE project is the Youth Leadership Program (YLP). This program has seen 35 ambitious and dedicated youths—18 males and 17 females from Kopay, Tellipalai, Uduvil, Sandilipay and Chankanai DS divisions, successfully complete a university course at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna.
The program's careful selection process ensured a varied group of people with an emphasis on certain qualities, such as educational qualifications (minimum of 6 subjects in O/L or equivalent), age between 18-30, and preference given to those with experience in community-based organizations (CBO), committees, or a passion for issues like Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
Commencing on February 11, 2023, and concluding on May 26, 2023, the course was meticulously designed to equip these young leaders with a comprehensive understanding of various subjects crucial for community development and leadership. Facilitated by esteemed university professors under the supervision of Dr. Y. Nanthagopan, the course covered a wide array of topics, including participatory planning, community leadership, governance, budget formulation, project management, entrepreneurship, risk management, gender sensitivity, environmental conservation, sustainable development goals, conflict resolution, and social cohesion.
Notably, the program aimed not only to impart knowledge but to instill confidence and collaborative skills, preparing these youths to become effective leaders capable of addressing the challenges within their communities. With a total fund of Rs 1,613,798.00 and collaborative
efforts such as the “Capacity Development for Local Government ” program, this initiative has truly been a collective endeavor.
The culmination of this transformative journey was marked by the graduation ceremony held on the 7th and 8th of September 2023 at the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Vavuniya. It was a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and newfound capabilities of these
young leaders.
The success of the Youth Leadership Program stands as a testament to CFCD’s commitment to nurturing leadership and fostering social cohesion within resettled communities. By providing these youths with the tools, knowledge, and confidence, CFCD continues its legacy of creating impactful change-makers poised to lead their communities towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
