Donors: SIDA/UNICEF
Location: Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kratie, Kampong Chhnang
Duration: September 2, 2019 – June 30, 2021
Budget: USD 144,798.03

Introduction 

Youth participation in local governance remains a critical gap in Cambodia’s development landscape. Despite comprising a significant portion of the population, young people often lack the knowledge, confidence, and access to engage meaningfully in decision-making processes. The “Strengthening Youth Participation in Local Planning and Budgeting” project was designed to address this gap by equipping youth with the skills and platforms needed to influence local planning and budgeting. Through targeted training, digital engagement tools, and advocacy support, the project aimed to foster a new generation of civic-minded youth leaders who can contribute to inclusive and responsive local governance. The initiative also sought to build trust and collaboration between youth and commune authorities, ensuring that youth voices are not only heard but acted upon.

Results

The project achieved significant milestones: 

• Youth Capacity Building: 82 youth representatives (53 female) were trained in local planning and budgeting, exceeding the target of 80. They developed and implemented 20 advocacy action plans. 

• Digital Engagement: Four ICT platforms (Telegram and Messenger groups) were created to facilitate youth communication and advocacy. 

• Budget Analysis: Youth produced seven commune budget analyses, though this fell short of the target due to limited access to budget data. 

• Policy Influence: 54% of youth representatives were included in commune/sangkat planning and budgeting committees. Youth concerns, such as school dropout, drug use, waste management, and domestic violence, were integrated into 75% of commune investment plans. 

• Challenges: COVID-19 disrupted face-to-face dialogues and reduced the project timeline, affecting some planned outcomes. 

Case Study

Case Study: “Youth’s voice is an important to contribute developing community” 

Koh Chreng is a remote commune located along the Mekong River in Chet Borei district, Kratie province. With 477 households and over 1,580 youths, the area had seen minimal youth involvement in local governance prior to the project.  

Kim Ly, a 14-year-old girl from Koh Chreng commune, had never imagined herself participating in local governance. “Before, I was so blank on community development, and I thought I was too young, and no one listened to my voice”, she shared. After joining the project, she attended training sessions and learned about the Commune Investment Plan, budget formulation, and the role of commune councils. 

Empowered by this knowledge, Kim Ly began attending commune council meetings and confidently raised youth concerns. “After that, I understood the advantages of youth engagement with community planning and budgeting. I braved the chance to participate in the commune council meetings. Especially, I feel more confident in presentation, public speaking, and raising the youth’s issues without hesitation”, she said. 

Her advocacy led to the inclusion of three youth priorities in local planning: improving ferry services, restoring old school buildings, and increasing access to clean water and sanitation. “Youth’s voice is important to contribute to developing the community. All youths should pay more attention to our community development because we are the young generation of the commune.”