On 30 June 2026, the village of Mogobane (Botswana) hosted the official launch of the EMPOWER+ Rural Youth Parliament, marking an important milestone in the implementation of the EMPOWER+ project and its mission to strengthen youth participation in rural communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Organised by Joint Minds Consult (JMC), the event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, representatives of local government, community organisations, civil society, and young people, all united by a common goal: empowering rural youth to become active participants in local governance and community development.
Building a platform for youth participation
The launch officially introduced the selected members of the Mogobane Rural Youth Parliament to the community while presenting the objectives of the EMPOWER+ project and its long-term vision.
Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can contribute to decision-making, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful dialogue with institutions and local authorities.
Community leaders and government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative, recognising that sustainable development requires the active involvement of young people.
Strong community support
One of the key strengths of the event was the broad participation of local stakeholders, including:
- Traditional leadership
- District and local government representatives
- The Office of the President
- Village Development Committees
- Community Development Officers
- Civil society organisations
- Members of the newly established Rural Youth Parliament
This collaborative approach reflects the core philosophy of EMPOWER+: building partnerships between young people and decision-makers to create more inclusive and participatory rural communities.
Looking ahead
The launch represents the beginning of an exciting journey for the young representatives of Mogobane.
The next phase of the project will focus on:
- leadership and capacity-building activities;
- mentorship and community dialogue;
- participation in international mobility activities;
- collaboration with Rural Youth Parliaments across the EMPOWER+ partnership.
Preparations are already underway for the upcoming mobility activities, starting with the pre-departure training scheduled for July and the first international exchanges later this year.
