Transparency Maldives and IFES Host Democracy Camp for Youth

The current Maldivian education system does not include civic education as part of the school curriculum, resulting in limited knowledge and understanding among young people of human rights and democratic principles, as well as the role of democratic institutions, elections and political parties. In order to introduce civic education and increase civic participation among youth, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems works closely with local partner Transparency Maldives to host civic education camps for young people, ages 14-16, from around the country. The camp provides participants with a basic understanding of human rights and democratic principles over the course of six days. Additionally, a significant portion of the camps is dedicated to encouraging participants to plan their own civic action projects, which are implemented after the camp.

This video is from the first democracy camp held in 2015 with 29 young people from across the country. The video captures participants’ experiences and demonstrates some of the activities carried out during the camp including meeting inspirational leaders and a visit to the Parliament.