Transcript More than 60% of the Palestinian population is under the age of 25, and the Local Democratic Reform program implemented by.

More than 60% of the Palestinian population is under the age of 25, and the Local Democratic Reform program
implemented by CHF International with funding from USAID is harnessing this youth energy through the Youth
Shadow Local Council initiative. The project focuses ensuring the development of a sense of citizenship at a young
age, through participating in a wide range of community development initiatives and problem solving so these youth
become effective leaders in their adult years. In the picture above you see the 11 members of the Illar Youth Shadow
Local Council with representatives of the Local Government.
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Illar YSLC
The LDR program is working with 13 youth councils across Palestine. The one in focus, the Illar youth council was
formed due to the impetus undertaken by the Illar local government. Other than giving youth a voice, this partnership
also assisted in extending the perceived role of the local government in Illar beyond mere service deliverers to catalysts
and facilitators of the local development process through positive, sustained and responsive engagement with their
constituents. Recognizing the future of a stable and independent Palestine will come from leaders dedicated to serving
citizens at the local level; Mayor of Illar Sufian Shadeed who was a champion of the youth council acknowledges the
active role of youth in their community development.
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Illar YSLC
After several meetings between youth representatives, local government staff, the Mayor’s office and local
civil society organizations, Mayor Shadeed officially endorsed the launch of the YSLC process in Illar.
Youth Councils are a dramatically new concept for Palestinian Local Government Units (LGUs) and
community acceptance was an issue, particularly resistance to the idea of involving young women in
governance. But if the program was met with skepticism early on, today it has the support of mayors,
representatives, communities and the youth themselves, as they have seen the impact and success of their
Councils.
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Illar YSLC
The YSLC project provides youth an opportunity to play a leading role in their communities and learn more
about civil governance. The Mayor explaining the concept in schools and colleges in the town of Illar and
galvanizing youth to get involved and run for youth council elections.
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Illar YSLC
Mohammad Nairat, CHF’s Civic Engagement Officer illustrated election procedures to youth participants in Illar.
Illar’s preparation to form a youth council began in early January 2011 with workshops to explain the election
procedures and youth starting to campaign to win seats on the council. Training was held for nominees on election
procedures, electoral campaigns, and concepts of democratic governance.
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Illar YSLC
LDR undertook extensive coordination with local organizations and the LGU leading up to the Election Day of
January 30, 2011. In this picture one sees students who ran as candidates in the Illar YSLC elections presenting
their individual proposals through wall posters. They also gave presentations to their fellow student constituents
during their campaigns.
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Illar YSLC
Recognizing the Illar youth local governance program was unique, Palestine TV interviewed Wa'ad, a female
elected YSLC member. Wa'ad had a comprehensive program for the residents of Illar. She covered the cultural,
educational, entertainment, volunteering, and the networking aspects. The civility of the campaigns and the
candidates’ programs were especially distinguished, ranging from pledges to improve the environment, reaching
out to youth, and enhance their opportunities for a prosperous future.
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Illar YSL
The 38 YSLC candidates, 23 of which were female, were presented the opportunity to compete on January 30th for
the 11 seats of the anticipated youth council in Illar. Above is a picture of Illar’s youth enthusiastically submitting
their ballots for their favored candidates.
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Illar YSLC
On Election Day, a total of 205 youths turned out and voted, representing a high-turnout rate of 83% of the
General Assembly.
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Illar YSLC
Following the end of the voting period, the campaign committee counted the votes for each of the nominees. In
total, eleven youth were voted to the youth council, of which 6 were male and 5 were female members. The
election process itself was smooth with the help of the observation committee, representing the Ministry of Local
Government and other line ministries and institutions.
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Illar YSLC
Realizing a successful campaign process had ended, Mayor Shadeed announced the election results to an eager
community. In the following week, a meeting was held for the YSLC to distribute the seats and create specialized
committees (media, projects, finance, etc).
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Illar YSLC
On 15 February 2011, the newly elected members of the YSLC pursued a vigorous program of capacity
building activities, starting with an exchange visit with its YSLC counterpart in Qalqilia to learn from their
experience and share successful practices. A one-year plan has been prepared and adopted by the YSLC,
gaining the endorsement and support from the LGU. So far, with substantial support from the municipality,
the Illar YSLC has been effective in immersing themselves in their community.
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Illar YSLC
As council members, these youth have developed plans for municipal improvements that they can implement, in
addition the youth council has worked with the larger community and the LGU to organize events and volunteer
activities, such as cleaning roads, painting walls or providing services for the elderly and disabled. Organizing these
activities supports the youth in developing their leadership skills and building on their talents. One of the more
successful activities undertaken by the Illar youth council was the cultural heritage event titled “Old Days in Illar”.
Over 260 people attended the cultural event and participated in its different activities, ranging from sports, folklore
dancing, poem recitals, and showcasing cultural heritage products.
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Illar YSLC