By Murielle Gemis and Mariam Traoré – May 11, 2024
63 young activists, aged 18 to 25, 28 women and 35 men, gathered for a training session on human rights and good governance starting in December in honor of the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.
An educational initiative, focused on Human Rights and good governance, took place from December 11 to 13, 2023, at the Grand Hôtel AZALAI in Bamako, commemorating the anniversary of the Charter of Human Rights of 1948 Organized for 63 participants aged 18 to 25, this three-day training saw the presence of several personalities.
The results of this training, presented on Wednesday May 1 to Ms. Galatée Fouquet, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Luxembourg, highlight an in-depth understanding of the subject and increased involvement in various organizations, demonstrating the desire of these young people to apply. this knowledge in their daily lives and in their communities.
Reflection on training: Uniting for change
Among the partners and educational leaders of this event, Mr. Kabine DOUMBIA, president of the NGO ASRAD Mali, and Ms. Marie Anne MARX, representative of the Embassy of Luxembourg, played a key role as supporters and facilitators of this initiative. The training sessions were led by experts, including Ms. Murielle GEMIS, assistant professor of educational sciences in Belgium, and Dr. Souleymane SACKO, university professor in Mali, specializing in International Strategy. Furthermore, in this context, the tools provided by the humanitarian partner Youth for Human Rights International were graciously used. Furthermore, several political figures supported this educational initiative focused on Human Rights and good governance by participating in its inaugural sessions.
This three-day session was structured around specific modules. These modules covered various aspects ranging from Human Rights Dynamics (HRD), clarification of human rights terms and principles, analysis of governance systems and challenges. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, enriching discussions and strengthening their commitment to these essential causes. The interactive sessions were complemented by practical exercises, including simulations and role-playing, allowing participants to develop their advocacy and advocacy skills. Additionally, tools and resources were shared to facilitate the integration of human rights principles into their daily actions.
Participants’ perspectives and future challenges
To assess the achievement of the set objectives, a follow-up survey was carried out. It revealed a deep understanding of the knowledge acquired and an increased involvement in various organizations such as “Secretary for Relations of the Disabled Graduates Collective” or “Advisor to the Secretary General of the UNESCO Club of the IUG”. Another example, some participants testified to the impact of the training on their personal and professional behavior. One of them said: “At first, I conscientiously applied this acquired knowledge through my own behavior. This gave me the idea to always think before acting with the greatest respect for human rights so as not to penalize others. In addition, some participants took concrete initiatives to raise awareness in their community. For example, one said: “I launched a digital campaign to raise awareness about respect for human rights. » Another mentioned that it was necessary to defend the most vulnerable groups: “Through advocacy with the authorities. Participation in television and radio shows, notably TV JOLIBA, to address the issues faced by people with disabilities in Mali. These various testimonies highlight the positive impact of the training on the participants and their desire to apply the knowledge acquired in their daily lives and their community involvement. They also reflect the need expressed by participants for additional support, particularly in terms of additional training and financial resources. “We must redouble our efforts in the areas of education and social protection, not forgetting financial resources, to expand training opportunities and clubs for the defense of human rights and good governance . » This highlights the continued importance of this educational initiative to strengthen citizens’ capacity for action in the area of human rights and good governance.
Conclusion: towards engaged citizenship
The conclusion of this survey highlights the significant impact of training on human rights and good governance on civic engagement. The results indicate a notable increase in participants’ involvement in organizations after the training, particularly in key positions related to the protection of human rights. This reflects an increased sense of responsibility in promoting and defending human rights within society. Additionally, participants’ responses reveal a deep understanding of the concepts of human rights and good governance, as well as their ability to apply them in various contexts of their daily lives and community engagement. This appropriation of knowledge translates into concrete awareness-raising, education and advocacy actions, demonstrating a real desire to contribute to social and political change towards a fairer and more respectful society. Furthermore, the needs expressed by participants for additional support highlight the importance of continuing to provide training opportunities and material and financial resources to strengthen their capacity for action in the area of human rights and good governance. These findings highlight the crucial role of training in empowering citizens and promoting active and engaged citizenship within society.
Thus, this report demonstrates the positive impact of this training on the participants, 63 young people from different regions of Mali. By strengthening their knowledge and skills, this educational initiative helps shape a new generation committed and responsible towards humanity and its differences, emphasizing peace and being ready to fight for a world where human rights man are respected and protected.
Originally published in The European Times.
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