The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is organizing, from June 19 to 23, in Tenkodogo, the second session of the academy for young leaders.
Around thirty young people strengthen their leadership capacities from June 19 to 23, 2024 in Tenkodogo. The initiative is from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), with financial support from the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA), which intends to give young people tools in the management of public affairs. Over five days, participants will familiarize themselves with themes such as leadership, democracy, good governance, citizenship, commitment and personal development. Called the Academy of Young Leaders, this session is part of the ‘Democracy Gniè sira or the Path to Democratic Success’ program, designed to strengthen democratic resilience during and after the transition in Burkina Faso, according to the senior resident director of the NDI in Burkina Faso, Kevin Adomayakpor. He explained that faced with the challenges of education,
health, employment and their commitment to development faced by the population, the academy of young leaders is a framework for learning and sharing experiences. . For him, the egalitarian and inclusive participation of citizens in the management of public life is a fundamental element for any society that aspires to peace, justice and development. Mr. Adomayakpor recalled the achievements obtained by the NDI, notably the increased engagement of women and young people in public life, democratic vitality following the various transitions which took place in Burkina, an active and committed civil society which the pride of the continent. However, the resident director of NDI noted threats that impact living together and democratic consolidation in Burkina Faso. He cited insecurity linked to violent extremism, threats to health, political governance marked by corruption and power grabs and democratic backsliding. In addition to these, he also noted geostrategic threats such as Western and Asian foreign influence
, resource capture and disinformation.
Many challenges
During the academy, communications will be made by experts on the issue of violent extremism and on a certain number of policies implemented in Burkina Faso in order to allow academicians to benefit from the recommendations for integrate into their project, indicated Kevin Adomayakpor.
One of the communicators, Professor Martial Zongo, associate lecturer in public law at Thomas Sankara University, confided that he will give an inaugural lesson on the state of governance and development in Burkina. Faso. ‘It will be a question of taking stock of 64 years of existence of the country of Burkina Faso as an independent country also in terms of its political, economic and social governance,’ he said. Professor Zongo also confided that he will take inventory of the national programs tested by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses. ‘There are many challenges at the political level, with regard to the agenda of returning to constitutional order. Today, this
is a goal set aside. However, it is an imperative,’ he said. The law professor noted that several studies show that there is a clear link between development and good governance. ‘When you look at the periods of exceptional and transitional regimes in Burkina Faso, these are periods during which we have not really progressed in terms of development,’ he was indignant.
Cheick Omar Yolé, a young independent worker from Fada N’Gourma, for his part, maintained that this youth academy is an opportunity. ‘It’s a chance for us to come and learn,’ he said. His project, called the Djiguiya center, he explained, is a school for management in entrepreneurship, leadership and development in the Eastern region. Emma Kibsa Korogho, second year master’s student in child protection and law, and participant in this academy, said she expected support from NDI in her project which aims to raise awareness among women and young people in democratic and civic engagement. .
Source: Burkina Information Agency