PAGE Project

Overview

The project contributed towards the effective participation of Civil Society Organizations as governance actors in youth development in southern Belize.

175+ youths, 12 to 35 years of age, and their relatives (approximately 230 people) benefited directly from  increased civic participation of young people and the strengthened community networks  and social equity resulting from the project.

Participating communities (10): Stann Creek district  -  Cowpen, Georgetown, Independence, Red Bank, San Juan, San Roman, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa. Toledo district - Bella Vista, Trio.

Objective

Strengthen the institutional and organisational capacity of CSOs and CBOs to deliver relevant and inclusive social services in Stann Creek and Toledo Districts.

* Civil Society Organization (CSOs) /  Community Based Organizations (CBOs) represented by Youth Associations 

Key activities and deliverables

To increase participation and integration of youth in decision making processes at the community level, the project:

• Established Youth Clubs in 2 high schools in Toledo District.

• Identified and organize 100 youth to spearhead Youth Associations. 

• Carried out community outreach actions led and designed by youth.

• Trained school staff and youth on youth leadership topics. 

• Produced and distributed information, education and communication materials - on youth empowerment - at the community level.

• Among other actions.

To enhance cooperation between local authorities and CSO during delivery and monitoring of youth-sensitive programmes, the project:

• Trained 15 youth ambassadors as Training of Trainers and support staff as facilitators; youth ambassadors will train Youth Associations.

• Supported the legal registration of 10 Youth Associations.

• Developed a training manual for implementation and monitoring of youth-sensitive programs, among others.

To enhance the capacity of youth service providers - at the district-level - to lead multi-agency coordination and improve knowledge management, the project:

• Implemented a participatory mapping to assess the availability, accessibility and impact of current youth services programmes.

• Developed multi-sectoral annual work plans and management information systems with the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and the Department of Human Development (DHD) in Toledo and Stann Creek Districts.

• Facilitated SWOT analysis among Youth Associations.

• Provided training to 3 Youth Associations on knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and youth policies, and other actions.