Introduction

At International Youth Alliance for Peace (IYAP), we strongly believe that the youth in our country are the backbone of the society as they have the energy, creativity and passion to mold and impact the development of our country and its communities. It is their voices, ideas, concerns and suggestions that can inspire and endorse new policies. IYAP paves the way for the youth to carry the promise that they will be in charge of the future. We offer hope that things will be seen and experienced in a new light for tomorrow if things are done right today. As a result, IYAP commenced the “Youth Matters 2020” project right to support the youth lead our country to have a better future. This project took place in 12 districts which include Jaffna, Kandy, Colombo, Matara, Batticaloa, Killinochchi, Mannar, Matale, Monaragala, Vauniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee.

Aim

Youth Matters is an initiative from International Youth Alliance for Peace with the aim of bringing together voices of youth from across the country into one Platform. “Youth Matters 2020” provides a platform to youth based/led organizations and individuals who interact and engage communities and partners to share their ideas, knowledge, experiences and solutions. The series of round table discussions were hosted via zoom due to the COVID-19 situation of the country. These discussions are not only to share solutions and experiences but also to provide practical alternatives to support the youth with resources and mentorship where necessary.

Who Involved

This program was funded by United States Embassy Sri Lanka, while it was administrated by Sarvodaya and initiated as well as implemented by International Youth Alliance for Peace (IYAP). For the project Youth Matters 2020, on behalf of IYAP, Miss. Maneesha Chandradas, the project officer provided a considerable contribution to make this a success. Ruhuna University AIESAC  https://en-gb.facebook.com/AIESEC-in-University-of-Ruhuna-210415685798063/ and Leo club of Ruhuna University (306A1 District) https://www.facebook.com/uorleoclub/, and THE T.E.A. project, LEO club of kandy https://www.facebook.com/LeoClubOfKandy/, Udarata Illanjan and https://www.facebook.com/LeoClubOfKandy/ participated for the discussions. The American corner Kandy https://lk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/american-spaces/american-corner-kandy/ and the American corner Jaffna https://lk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/american-corner-jaffna/ were hosting partners. And also there were youth partners from Jaffna Transgender Network https://www.facebook.com/jaffnatransgendernetwork/, Vithayanaiththum Viruchcham and Rotaract MIDTOWN Jaffna https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Rotaract-Club-of-Jaffna-Midtown-635154466644915/.