Publisher's Synopsis
“Youth participation” is a popular buzzword in today’s development lexicon. But when is it a practical instrument of development, and when is it mere window-dressing? What does it mean in today’s rapidly changing societies – participation in change itself? This lively and provocative book draws together a host of experiences and views on the subject, from agencies and individuals in diverse fields. Perhaps the strongest message that emerges is that youth participation can be practiced in any setting, on any scale. But it rarely is. This prompts some contributors to ask, are young people the last group in society to suffer “legitimate” discrimination? Partners for Youth Participation is a forum for advocacy and action to engage young people in civil society and social change. Members include World Association of Girls Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), International Youth Foundation (IYF), Development Education for Youth (DEFY), International Business Students Exchange (AIESEC), Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Raleigh International and World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Jane Foster is Head of Youth Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat. Kumi Naidoo is Secretary-General and C.E.O. of CIVICUS.
