Analyzing the Effectiveness of Youth Participation in Post-Disaster Phases | Rana AYOUB
Abstract The research work was conducted to find out the effectiveness of youth-led organizations in post-disaster response and reconstruction. The research is based on a literature review of academic work concerning the importance of youth participation, as well as a comparison of three case studies through interviews and an online survey. Four aspects were analyzed: the structure and role of youth in each LNGO, the level of involvement, the tools used, and their level of satisfaction and perception of the work they've done. Having the viewpoints of the organizations and the young participants helped me form conclusions regarding the efficacy of youth participation in LNGOs. The findings verify that youth-led organizations are key to a post-disaster response; they are the quickest to react and the fastest to help in a post-disaster situation. The most effective way for young people to develop the skills and values of active citizenship and civic engagement is through participation. The results suggest that humanitarian actors should work with young people to investigate opportunities for participation in decisionmaking and communal life.
Keywords: Youth Participation, Youth-Led Organizations, Tools of Participation, Role of Youth, Post-Disaster, Beirut Blast, Emergency response, Reconstruction
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