Youth Autumn School in Morocco: Youth and Political Engagement for an Alternative World

In time of crisis, the Youth Autumn School aimed, in particular, to help young people build alternative visions of society, thus strengthening their leaders’ capacities (theoretical knowledge and practical skills) in advocacy and civic commitment.

The approach adopted was as follows:

• At the upstream stage, 20 ‘cafés liberté’ were organised at the regional level during September 2012 to assist the young participants in preparing their analysis and proposals.
• During the Autumn School session, seminars and workshops were held to discuss and consolidate their proposals and lead to the final memorandum.

During the 3 days, 6 thematic seminars took place, followed by corresponding workshops to deepen the participants’ alternatives:

1. What kind of Youth Council towards what kind of youth public policy?
2. Challenges of participative democracy;
3. Democratic transition: what is at stake?
4. Gender equality: how do young people engage themselves?
5. Social movements: modalities of action / driving force for proposal and change / role during democratic transition;
6. Youth and culture: what role in building a culture of citizenship and of freedom?

In addition, two training workshops on policy analysis and on participative techniques were offered.

Democracy and Governance, Youth, Gender Equality

This activity is part of UNESCO's actions with and in favour of youth, especially in the framework of its Strategy on African Youth (2009-2013). UNESCO focuses its efforts in promoting full and relevant participation of youth in their society.