Youth participation in governance in Badhan and Dangorayo districts was largely ceremonial and limited to appearances rather than influence. Youth voices were disorganized, fragmented, and rarely coordinated, making it difficult for local authorities/local governments to engage them effectively. Many young people also lacked awareness of governance structures, civic rights, and available opportunities for engagement, leaving them excluded from decisions that directly affected their lives and communities.
However, the SSF III YEY Project, implemented by KAALO, played a central role in transforming youth participation by strengthening structures, capacity, and relationships. Youth Caucuses in Badhan and Dangorayo districts were mapped, creating organized platforms that networked youth voices and enabled collective advocacy. Youth were trained in governance-related areas, including civic awareness, advocacy, and participatory governance, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to engage constructively. As a result, youth representatives were incorporated into Inclusive Social Accountability (ISA) working groups. The project also facilitated dialogue and collaboration between youth, district authorities, cultural and religious leaders, enhancing trust and cooperation. Networking opportunities further strengthened relationships between youth and local governance actors, creating space for sustained engagement.
Currently, youth engagement and participation in local governance decision-making processes have significantly improved in Badhan and Dangorayo districts. Young people moved from symbolic involvement to meaningful participation, actively contributing to discussions, planning, and local governance platforms. For example, the youth in Badhan district participated in the last meeting of the district council and raised the need for a block of land to construct a Multi-purpose Centre. In response to the youth request, the local government provided the requested land.
The change positively affected youth, women, local authorities, clan leaders, and minority clans. A youth participant from Badhan and Dangorayo shared:
“We only get called when people need labor, but this time we participate the local governments meetings such District development plans, budget plans decisions.”
— Abdirizak Farah, Chairman of SAYN Network, Badhan District
District authorities also acknowledged the value of youth engagement. Abdirahman Yusuf Ahmed, Secretary General of the Local Government in Badhan, thanked KAALO and noted that such dialogue forums help build trust and prevent conflict. He encouraged youth to actively participate in peacebuilding activities, lead by example, and collaborate for a better future.
Clan and community leaders expressed strong support for youth participation in decision-making.
Mohamed Ismail Jama, a Guurti elder, shared a Somali proverb:
“Ciise waa Ciise oo nin nin caaro ma dheera,”
meaning all people are equal and no one is above others, reinforcing the importance of inclusive participation.
Youth from minority clans also benefited through increased representation and inclusion in dialogue forums, decision-making processes, and the ISA working groups.
The change is sustainable due to the strengthened capacity of youth and their improved understanding of governance engagement opportunities. Youth Caucuses now conduct regular monthly meetings through ISA, independently coordinating actions and maintaining dialogue with local authorities. These established structures and relationships help ensure continued youth participation in local governance beyond the project’s lifespan.
