The Hague Academy for Local Governance developed together with SPARK a four-year programme proposal for political and economic empowerment in Burundi, South Sudan and the Palestinian Territories. SPARK is an organisation that builds the capacity of local economic and educational organisations and institutions in post-conflict societies in order to empower young ambitious people to make a difference (see www.spark-online.org).
On September 27, 2011, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the proposal is approved and can start in January 2012. Of course The Hague Academy and SPARK are very pleased that our proposal has been chosen and we look forward to implement it in the coming four years.
The programme’s overall objective is to contribute to security and good governance practices that improve the socio-economic position of young women and men in fragile states. Socio-economic development reduces poverty and increases citizens’ confidence and trust, and their involvement with state institutions, leading to stability. Due to the very young populations in Burundi, South Sudan and the Palestinian Territories and their possible role as change agents, young people need to be central actors in this process.
The activities will focus on the strengthening of good governance and democratic practice, fact-based advocacy and the organisation of multi-party/stakeholder dialogues. The Hague Academy will implement a Leadership Training Programme, a training programme on Good Governance, Participation and Accountability (in the context of conflict-affected countries) and a Training of Trainers Programme.
If you would like to know more about this four year programme, please contact Nienke Vermeulen at nienke.vermeulen@thehagueacademy.com