BudgIT Ghana’s Post

It is crucial for youth to understand the importance and relevance of various platforms that provide them with easy channels to voice their concerns. In Rwanda, there are several spaces where citizens can gather and contribute to governmental processes, such as umuganda, citizens' forums (inteko z'abaturage), umugoroba w’umuryango, and others. Based on my experience as a Never Again Rwanda volunteer Under the DKI (Dufatanye Kwiyubakira Igihugu) project, which aims to enhance citizens' capacity to actively engage in government processes and programs (planning and budgeting).  I have had the opportunity to participate in different citizens' forums and witnessed how effective they are as local platforms where citizens raise their concerns to leaders and advocate for issues related to their development and that of the community. These platforms are responsive to the needs of the people. And probably citizens get solutions to their problems However, it is unfortunate that many participants are older individuals, primarily women, with very low attendance from youth and men, even though the issues discussed affect all groups. There is a need to sensitize all citizens to engage in these platforms, and to explore inclusive approaches that could motivate people from all categories to take interest in them. Otherwise, groups like the youth risk missing out on opportunities that already exist for their participation in these important forums or sadly people decide on their behalf sometimes .Theoneste NdungutseNkurunziza Joseph RyarasaKamabonwa PrudencienneHero Shyaka

We continue to celebrate the vital work and #CollectiveImpact happening at the ICT4D Conference in Accra, Ghana this week! Our Deputy Director of Field and Impact Programs, Stephanie Siy moderated an incredible panel on the plenary stage today, “Programming Digital Solutions for Localized Development.”   And a massive shout out to Elizabeth Njoroge of NetHope Member, Christian Aid and Nora Lindström Lindstrom, ICT4D Lead and Catholic Relief Services for announcing our newest, Digital Development Guidebook! The new guidebook was developed by NetHope’s ICT4D Working Group in partnership with Catholic Relief Services, Oxfam, Helvetas USA, Mercy Corps, Christian Aid, SOS Children's Villages International, International Rescue Committee, and exchange.design.   The goal of this guidebook is to help organizational leaders reflect on how to digitally transform their programming and support pro-poor, and inclusive digital development in partner countries, in effective and responsible ways. In the words of co-author, Nora Lindström, Senior Director of ICT4D, Catholic Relief Services “Our new common challenge is no longer advocating for technology integration into programs—this is already happening—but re-envisioning our collective value around local leadership, open solutions, and digital skills and rights.” Download the guide here: https://nethope.org/DDG   #ICT4D2024 #DigitalSkills #Humanitarian #Localization #NetHope #WeAreNetHope #CollectiveAction #DigitalDivides #climate #ClimateIntersections #ClimateResilience

here is a snapshot of the workshop I conducted. #connectForCulture #SelamEthiopia #AfricanUnion

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the The State of African Diaspora (SOAD) have united under a visionary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at PAP Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa this Friday November 15th, 2024. This transformative collaboration aims to foster unity, peace, and development across Africa and its Diaspora. The partnership will see: - PAP and SOAD Co-hosting an Africa-Diaspora Summit - SOAD establishing a Permanent Diaspora Desk at PAP - Institutionalizing a Statement of Solidarity at PAP Sessions - Jointly commemorating African Diaspora Day - SOAD Parliament to gain observer status at PAP - Collaborative fundraising and advocacy initiatives to empower African communities globally. H.E. Hon. Sen. Chief Fortune Charumbira, PAP President: "We are looking forward to a progressive working relationship for the betterment of the livelihoods of Africans across the globe. It is high time that Africans everywhere come together for a better cause." Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, SOAD Prime Minister: "A truly historic moment that bridges the African continent with its diaspora in unprecedented ways." This partnership between the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) is profoundly significant as the UN Decade for People of African Descent concludes and the African Union's 2025 theme, "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations," takes center stage. It symbolizes hope and unity for Africans worldwide, driving shared progress toward empowerment, justice, and prosperity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gXa9bFc7 #PanAfricanParliament #PAPOrdinarySession #Agenda2063 #AfricaWeWant #PanAfricanSolidarity #GlobalAfricanUnity

As we mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, we reflect on the challenges our nation faces and the need for hope and resilience. While times may be tough, we need to hold on to the belief that a better future is possible, especially for the children whose rights we advocate for. This day reminds us that, despite the odds, there is still plenty room for hope and action. By staying committed, we can bring about meaningful change for the next generation. #independencedaynigeria #nigeriaat64

NEW Spotlight on Zambia report by #GEMReport, Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and Zambia’s Ministry of Education aims to assist education leaders in reaching out-of-school, completion, and foundational learning targets through research and advocacy. 📽️ Watch to learn more: https://bit.ly/3QokTVO #BorntoLearn

Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind, by Coauthor.studio: From Cameroon to Ghana, 2024 proved that building active citizens creates more sustainable change than creating activists. This year expanded our impact across West Africa while deepening our commitment to youth empowerment: • Led Community Organizing Institute for 30 changemakers from 10 West African countries • Conducted democratic process training in Cameroon and Ghana • Expanded regional knowledge exchange programs • Celebrated 12 years at Yiaga Africa with a long service award But the real transformation wasn't in numbers – it was in watching young leaders step into their power: → 18 youth councilors elected in FCT Area Council Elections → Community organizers launching local initiatives across West Africa → Faith-based youth embracing civic consciousness → Rising leaders finding their voice in democracy Three moments that captured our journey: "Biblical Leadership Initiative Youth Assembly" On integrating faith and civic leadership: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers" https://lnkd.in/dPFv5v7R "Long Service Award" 12 years of building youth participation in democracy https://lnkd.in/d7UtAHXb "I AM CHANGE Project" "I emphasized the importance of having less 'activists' and more 'active citizens'" https://lnkd.in/d34cJk3z Looking ahead: 2025 will focus on expanding our community organizing methodology across West Africa while strengthening youth engagement in democratic processes. The need for active citizens has never been greater. To every young leader stepping into their power: Remember Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." #ActiveCitizenship #WestAfrica #YouthEmpowerment

Here's something I definitely want to keep an eye on as it rolls out: a reverse call for proposals, in which funders apply to support community-led initiatives, flipping on its head the usual grantmaking approach of having communities and local organisations approach funders to get support. The reverse call is one of a series of initiatives being tested through the RINGO project (link in comments) that seek to "transform INGO institutions and the systems in which they function" and ensure that "national and local organisations can have more power, resources, and influence." This call is focused on 8 communities in 4 districts in Zambia. Priorities were identified through a process facilitated by the Zambian Governance Foundation for Civil Society "using the asset-based community-led development (ABCD) approach, through which we encouraged communities to identify their existing assets and to invest their assets to respond to community priorities and needs jointly." It sounds like applicants will be chosen and in conversation with communities by November, so hopefully we'll start to see what this process looks like in action next year. Rights CoLab West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) #shiftthepower #locallyleddevelopment

Despite facing the brunt of insecurity, Nigerian women are often sidelined in formal peace talks, raising questions about gender balance in conflict resolution. The gender gap in Nigeria's decision-making processes has over time sparked debates about fairness in policies governing social protection and peace initiatives. From bustling cities to remote villages, Nigerian women have been pivotal in shaping their communities and driving peace initiatives, breaking patriarchal barriers, and shattering stereotypes. Their unique perspectives, skills, and resilience are essential in building sustainable solutions, making their active involvement in peacebuilding efforts imperative. Let's address the barriers limiting their participation in peacebuilding, uphold gender-inclusive approaches, and provide support to amplify their efforts. By bolstering ways women and women agencies can play key roles, in peacebuilding and conflict resolutions, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its women as agents of positive change and sustainable peace. Join us tomorrow as I present my paper on "The Role of Women in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria." A paper passionately put together by me and Olive Uzochukwu, many thanks to Conflict Research Network West Africa for this beautiful opportunity. Your participation in this dialogue would be greatly enriching.🥰 Find flyers for details👇

🔊 Announcement: Premiering Soon - The State of Shrinking Civic Space in Uganda. In a time when the fabric of civic freedoms in #Uganda is under significant strain, the Uganda National NGO Forum and SIKIA FOUNDATION, with generous support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, are proud to announce the upcoming premiere of a documentary: "The State of Shrinking Civic Space in Uganda." This documentary is a catalyst for conversation on the vital issues of civic participation, governance, and the resilience of civil society in the face of adversity. Through in-depth research, expert analysis, and the voices of those on the front lines, we aim to bring to light the challenges and triumphs within Uganda's civic spaces. 🌟 Why You Should Watch: 1. Engage in a crucial dialogue about the future of civic freedoms in Uganda. 2. Understand the roles and responsibilities of governing bodies and the governed. 3. Be inspired by the resilience of Uganda’s civil society. 📆 Stay tuned for premiere details. Dr. Sarah Bireete Winnie Kiiza Centre for Civil Society Chapter Four Uganda Nicholas Opiyo Civil Society Forum Human Rights Watch Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria Hon Dr. Miria Matembe ActionAid Embassy of Denmark in Uganda European Union USAID NIMD | Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy #CivicSpaceUG