CONCERN and We Effect Engage Meranaw Youth in IDP Rights Training

As we celebrate the International Youth Day, we applaud the efforts being made to pursue the interest of the youth all over the world. But, let us not forget to remember also the struggle of the youth in its fight for peace, freedom, justice and inclusive governance for all, especially the young IDPs.

These are the youth who tirelessly assert its call for a safe and dignified return, demands truth, justice and accountability, and push for the narratives of the vulnerable and displaced people no matter how challenging the task to claim and defend what is rightfully theirs as a Meranaw people.

CONCERN, Inc. with the support of We Effect and in partnership with the Reclaiming Marawi Movement is currently implementing a project which hopes to strengthen the capacity of young Meranaw IDPs who are still living in the temporary and transitional shelters, more than 4 years have passed after the Marawi siege. The project aims to empower the young Meranaw IDPs on the importance of their participation in rights claiming.

Through the series of community based discussions focused on educating the youth on the IDP Rights, Basic DRR-CCA, skills enhancement through Leadership, Public Speaking and Para-Legal Trainings, the young Meranaw IDPs today believes in collective leadership and the significance of their voices in molding a gender-sensitive, secure, disaster resilient communities that will better serve their interest as a youth.

The trainings also provided them an avenue to develop their full potential as responsible leaders and recognize the need to fight for their right to accessible, quality and affordable education for all.

The current situation in the country presents an opportunity for everyone most especially the youth to take part in advocating for a genuine social transformation and continue the discourse on matters of justice, human dignity and peace.