Project Title: FAVORABLE OPPORTUNITIES TO REINFORCE SELF-ADVANCEMENT FOR TODAY’S YOUTH
Years: JANUARY 2015 – June 2016
Donor: USAID
Target Region:Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma
Morocco is a regional leader in progressive reforms and participatory democracy, but its slow progress on policy reforms and the lack of communication between elected officials and their constituents are eroding trust in the government. Active civic engagement and voter turnout are both in decline. In addition, the exclusion of young people from politics and decision-making exposes them to structural unemployment and increases their vulnerability to recruitment into violent extremist groups.
In response to these problems, Search-Morocco is working with 50 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 from the marginalized communities of Tangier and Tetouan, as part of the Favorable Opportunities to Reinforce Self-Advancement for Today’s Youth (FORSATY) initiative.
This program aims to empower young people to play a larger role in the social and political life of their communities. The youth participants have established Youth Councils, which are serving as platforms for young people to engage their local officials, raise awareness around local governance, and learn how to advocate for their priorities.
“My desire to contribute to the political development of young people […] made me more determined to engage in this project and to work hard to achieve the objectives of the Council.” – Yahya, youth participant
The project ultimately seeks to increase the ability of youth to access economic and social opportunities, share in economic growth, live healthy lives, and contribute to the well-being of their households, communities, and country as a whole. By providing positive alternatives to youth targeted by violent extremist recruiters, the FORSATY project also plays a role in CVE.
“I became more responsible towards others, my neighborhood, my city, and my country. ” Fatima, youth participant
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