Democracy: A Digital Story for Young Generations
Author: Hussam Barzinji, Director General, Kurdistan Economic Development Organization
Introduction: Navigating the Path to Democratic Engagement
In today’s interconnected world, the internet serves as a powerful tool for fostering dialogue, sharing information, and empowering communities. In service of using virtual tools to ensure that young generations understand and appreciate democracy, the Kurdistan Economic Development Organization (KEDO) undertook the project “Democracy: A Digital Story for Young Generations” as part of the Free Enterprise and Democracy Network Small Grants program. Our journey began with a simple yet ambitious objective: to build a website dedicated to exploring and advancing democracy in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. However, as our project unfolded, it became clear that our website was not merely a digital platform but a catalyst for meaningful change and empowerment.
Empowering Voices: The Youth-Led Initiative
By the end of the project, we had successfully launched the website and released 10 articles that cover important topics related to democracy. These topics ranged from examining how democracy has been applied to different cultures throughout history to exploring the relationship between freedom and democracy. The articles were circulated on social media, where they attracted high levels of engagement from youth.
To move beyond educating young people on democracy and allow us to learn from their unique perspectives, we also launched a writing initiative to provide youth writers with a platform to share their hopes for a more democratic future. With a focus on fostering inclusivity and diversity, we have placed particular emphasis on identifying and nurturing potential leaders, especially among young women who demonstrate a commitment to advancing democratic values.
Expanding Horizons: Beyond the Digital Realm
While our website serves as the cornerstone of our project, its impact extends far beyond the confines of the digital realm. In order to maximize the impact of our website and encourage engagement with our content, we held a series of promotional events that further educated youth on important democratic themes and encouraged them to read and post articles on the website. Through strategic partnerships, engaging workshops, and collaborative initiatives, we have cultivated a dynamic ecosystem of democratic engagement that transcends online boundaries. Through engaging with local government officials like the Governor of Sulaymaniyah Province and university student groups, the website was able to act as a catalyst for connection.
Through the course of the project, KEDO administered three workshops to student groups.
- Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Youth Leadership: The first workshop celebrated entrepreneurship and emphasized the significance of financial independence for youth. By fostering economic empowerment, we create an environment conducive to free expression and democratic participation. Furthermore, the workshop focused on nurturing youth leadership, recognizing the pivotal role young leaders play in shaping a healthy democratic society.
- Combating Corruption and Honoring Integrity: The second workshop aimed to combat corruption, establishing a solid foundation for democracy. Additionally, it honored individuals who exemplify integrity and ethical conduct.
- Advocating for Democratic Education: The third workshop honored individuals contributing to the development of the education system and advocated for the integration of democratic values into education. Recognizing the transformative power of education in shaping democratic citizens, this event underscored the importance of instilling democratic principles from a young age.
Additionally, our efforts attracted significant media attention, particularly regarding our initiatives aimed at empowering youth and fostering leadership among them. The media’s interest in these topics underscores the growing recognition of the digital role in promoting democratic values and civic engagement.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
While the FEDN grant has officially concluded, our work continues to grow due to the enthusiasm with which it was embraced by youth and the local government. Even within the challenging political atmosphere, dwindling faith in the government, and inadequate public services, it’s heartening to witness the unwavering determination of youth. Their desire for change, expression, and belief in their ability to create a healthy democratic atmosphere is truly inspiring. The enthusiasm and dedication of young leaders such as Sonya Ari Omer, Evan Hussain Aziz, and Narmen Omer inspired us to expand our efforts further.
Our youth program participants have directly expressed an interest in receiving further trainings and staying connected to the network that developed as a result of the workshop events. To meet their expressed need to further develop their skills, KEDO is launching a leadership training program to support youth as they continue to create change. And with 10 more articles in development, our website continues to grow and amplify our efforts to promote democracy throughout the Iraqi Kurdistan region and beyond. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital engagement, we remain steadfast in furthering our mission, one click at a time.
Learn more about the “Democracy: A Digital Story for Young Generations” project by listening to Episode #399 of CIPE’s Democracy That Delivers podcast.