Youth and the younger generation are important components in society who need to be actively involved in development. Starting from development in the village. Active youth participation is very important in helping the government formulate development policies. Also overcome socio-cultural and economic challenges, and create an inclusive social environment in the village. Youth have great potential to create a just and sustainable future for all elements of society by upholding inclusive principles. Where no one is left behind.
Youth are known for their high enthusiasm, innovation and creativity. By involving them in village development, we can utilize fresh ideas and innovative solutions to overcome various existing challenges. Youth can provide new perspectives in various aspects of village life, from agriculture, the creative economy, to information technology.
The younger generation often adapts more easily to change and has a good understanding of the needs and aspirations of the surrounding community. They can act as a bridge between tradition and modernity, helping to integrate local knowledge with global developments.
By upholding inclusive principles, youth can contribute to creating a just and equitable environment for all levels of society. This is important to ensure that the development carried out can be enjoyed by everyone without exception.
Strengthening the Gender, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) perspective for youth is important. So that their enthusiasm, innovation and creativity will be more effective in collaborating with the government to realize development and an inclusive social environment in the village.
YCMM through the SIPAUMAT Program held "GEDSI Training for Women and Youth". This training was held in Malancan Village from 29-30 April to 1 May 2024. The GEDSI perspective should be an integral part of the development strategy to ensure all levels of society can be involved and benefit from development.
Mainstreaming gender and the GEDSI perspective in every stage of development is important to realize gender equality and justice. Gender-responsive policies, strategies, programs and activities should be integrated into the Village Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMDes) and Village Government Work Plan (RKPDes) documents.
Through this training, which was also attended by representatives of the Malancan Village Government, YCMM wants to initiate collaboration between the village government and women's and youth groups in village development. YCMM also wants to encourage the birth of young people who are pioneers of social inclusion in the villages and environments where they live.
Based on baseline YCMM data shows that in Malancan Village there are many marginalized groups who experience social exclusion. Such as disability groups, female heads of families, and children. Many residents still have difficulty accessing basic services, social assistance and other government programs. In addition, there is a high number of cases of sexual violence against women and children in Malancan Village.
Most of the youth who attended this activity admitted that this was their first time taking part in training or other capacity building activities. They felt very happy because they were invited to this activity.
"So far, we, young people in the village, have never been involved in the development process. Maybe because it's not considered important or you don't know anything. In reality, we really don't know anything like what Musrenbang, APBDes, RPJMDes, RKPDes, etc. are because we weren't told about them. We feel that development is only our parents' business. Youth are only involved for sports, holiday celebrations such as Christmas, New Year and August 17 celebrations. "Especially about GEDSI, we only heard about it now," said Dian, a young woman representing the GKPM (Mentawai Protestant Christian Church) Youth Movement organization.
A similar statement was also made by Hendra, representative of the GPdI Sirilanggai Youth Movement. He said that so far youth groups have only played a role in church or religious organization activities. Responding to this statement, Mr. Nason, Head of Sibeuotcun Hamlet, admitted that the hamlet and village government had not seen young people as the potential strength of the village. He really appreciated the training activities involving this youth group. So he was inspired to involve youth in the Village Musrenbang and other development planning this year. He will also convey the same proposal to the Village Head so that it is implemented in the nine hamlets in Malancan Village.
This training activity was attended by 14 women and 12 men representing youth organizations from nine hamlets in Malancan Village. The resource person/facilitator is Tarida Hernawati, SIPAUMAT YCMM Program Manager, and co-facilitator Bambang Sagurung, YCMM facilitator in Malancan Village.
The initial material presented was about basic gender concepts, considering that some participants were still very unfamiliar with GEDSI issues. Followed by material about gender injustice, gender equality and gender-based violence. These materials are delivered in the form of presentations, videos and short films on the themes of gender and gender-based violence. Videos and short films are quite effective in increasing participants' understanding of narrative material in presentations.
Material about disabilities and social inclusion is presented in the same way. Several participants shed tears while watching a touching short film about children with disabilities. In the discussion after watching the film, Mr. Nason realized that there were many children with disabilities in his village who had been neglected. He promised to start paying attention to disabled groups by prioritizing them in accessing basic services and social assistance. Rini, a young woman from Ukra Hamlet, said that materials and films about disabilities made her aware that everyone, including people with disabilities, have the same rights.
In the final training session, the participants prepared an action plan after this training activity. Participants were divided into three groups. At the end of the activity, the participants hoped that the activities involving and strengthening the capacity of this youth group would not end here. They want to be given space and opportunities to continue to increase their potential and be useful for society and the surrounding environment.
Involving youth in village development is not only a necessity, but also an obligation to create a better and more inclusive future. The GEDSI training program in Malancan Village is an important first step in empowering youth to play an active role in village development. By continuing to provide support and opportunities, youth can become agents of change who lead villages towards better prosperity and social justice.
