The WYDE Civic Engagement project complements its activities at global and regional levels with ad-hoc country-level support. The overall aim of the Quick-Impact Actions (QIAS) is to provide urgent and strategic support to local actors working on youth political inclusion and participation, always upon request of the relevant EU Delegation.
Based on the specific objectives determined in close cooperation with EUDs, the most appropriate local actor(s) are identified and selected to implement the QIAs. This is done either through a direct technical intervention or an action grant, awarded directly or through a restrictive call for proposals, depending on the urgency of the need, the political calendar, and the potential to generate positive changes in youth participation.)
Background
Colombia is facing a significant decline in democratic support among its youth. In 2004, 70% of young Colombians supported democracy as the best form of government, but by 2024, this figure had dropped to 49%. In the previous elections for Local Youth Councils in December 2021, only 10.4% of the youth electorate aged 14 to 28 turned out to vote. This trend is exacerbated by misinformation, political polarization, and limited civic education in schools, which weakens youth engagement in democratic processes and threatens long-term democratic resilience. The upcoming Local Youth Council elections in October 2025 present a crucial opportunity to revitalize youth political participation and strengthen their connection with democratic institutions. However, the lack of awareness about these councils, political apathy, and insufficient training in critical navigation of digital environments pose significant risks to broad and informed participation.
Project Overview
The “Liderab: Educación Cívica y Liderazgo Juvenil del Aula a las Urnas” project aims to boost youth participation in these elections by empowering young people and educators as agents of civic change in their communities. The project focuses on three strategic lines:
The project will focus on the following activities:
- Strengthening Educators’ Capacities: Through in-person events called Democracy Camps and the provision of educational materials and resources, teachers will be trained to actively promote electoral participation among their students.
- Empowering Youth Leaders: Young candidates for the Local Youth Councils and pro-democracy activists will receive training based on CIVIX Colombia’s successful ‘Liderab’ model to act as Election Ambassadors, promoting informative campaigns and mobilizing their peers through creative and locally impactful strategies.
- Social Impact Campaign ‘Del Aula a las Urnas’: Interactive materials, educational resources, and dynamic digital campaigns will be designed to promote youth participation in the Local Youth Councils, leveraging CIVIX Colombia’s national networks of teachers and young leaders.
Expected Impact
- Increase youth voter turnout in Local Youth Council elections.
- Enhance educators’ abilities to foster civic engagement and democratic literacy.
- Develop youth leadership in local politics.
- Combat misinformation and political apathy with engaging educational content.
- Long-term, the project seeks to cultivate a stronger democratic culture among Colombian youth, ensuring more resilient and representative democratic processes.
About CIVIX Colombia
CIVIX Colombia is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to become active and informed citizens. Through civic education, youth leadership, and media literacy programs, CIVIX Colombia promotes critical thinking and responsible participation in democratic life.
