YEPEP focused on engaging young men and women in the political and electoral processes in Kosovo by increasing their understanding of these processes and acknowledging their roles in them, as well as providing a space for youth’s voices to be heard on the issues they face. Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the project’s main activities involved the followings: public debates, youth meetings with politicians and assembly simulations, mock elections, and monthly video competitions with different themes. Project’s target group involved young men and women aged 15 – 29 from all municipalities of Kosovo. Through the online platform Speak in the Nest (available in Albanian, Serbian and English), as well as other social media platforms, Kosovo youth was invited to participate in online discussions and raise issues of their concerns. This project has had an impact on: an improved awareness and understanding of youth in regards to their role in political and electoral processes has reflected in youth’s sense of self as young citizens and their active engagement, the inclusive online space for debate among youth has made it possible for the society to be informed on young men and women’s beliefs and attitudes and hence about youth cultures, an improved awareness and understanding among young on their role in political and electoral processes has resulted in mature critical thinkers, voters and leaders.
This project has contributed to the following Sustainable Development Goals: