Friday, the Town Hall of Jérémie, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program in Haiti, launched a $ 3 million project, focusing on youth participation and the reduction of violence.

It is a joint project of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UN Women and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), implemented in cooperation with the Town Hall of Jérémie, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Women's Affairs as well as local youth and women's organizations.

"The project aims to strengthen the skills of young people and their active and equitable participation in public affairs. Because we are convinced that the increased involvement of young people in local governance and the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence will lead to more social cohesion and a more peaceful and productive city for all," said Ms. Yvonne Helle, UNDP country director in Haiti. This project will enable 500 young women and men between the ages of 15 and 25 to acquire skills to participate in the public affairs of the municipality in synergy with local authorities and actors.

Awareness campaigns will be conducted to mobilize, reorient and build the capacity of youth in school and non-school environments : ethics, leadership, non-violence, informed migration and family planning, emphasizing the need for them to be fully involved in the population as agents of change.

Claude Harry Milord, Mayor of Jeremiah, said he hoped that this project will be an inspiration for other cities in Haiti to make youth a positive force for the Nation.

At the end of this initiative, which will ensure the equal participation of young women, participants will receive certification on gender equality, leadership, the adoption of positive values for women and citizen participation.

At the same time, 150 justice actors, teachers and administrators of high schools and universities, as well as local authorities will be equipped and mobilized to prevent and fight against violence against women. These interventions will help make Jérémie a safe and non-violent city against women.

The contribution of the United Nations Fund, will also support the participation of young people in the upcoming elections and will help nearly 2,500 of them to obtain an identity document.

HL/ HaitiLibre