The workshop, themed “Animating Associative Life and Youth Leaders Facing Politics: What Stance?”, aimed to cultivate a responsible youth population committed to peace and capable of fostering social cohesion within a sensitive socio-political environment.
“Organizations such as the CNJCI are established to collaborate directly with the administration. Every leader must understand their responsibilities and maintain an exemplary posture towards both the state and society,” stated Alexis Adjoumani Kouadio.
He further elaborated that youth organizations should serve as frameworks for civic guidance and essential partners to public administration in promoting civility, dialogue, and harmonious coexistence.
Adding to this sentiment, Kouacou Désiré, the regional director for the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration, and Civic Service of Gontougo, emphasized the critical need to train leaders who can effectively invigorate their associations while upholding neutrality amidst political tensions.
“Simply being the president of an association is not enough. One must know how to bring their organization to life, unite young people, and undertake actions that genuinely benefit our communities,” he affirmed.
He highlighted that the workshop also sought to enhance the capacities of associative actors in responsible leadership, effective dialogue, organizational management, and the crucial prevention of political manipulation within youth movements.
Gnaihi Hugues, representing the Prefect of the Gontougo region and Prefect of Bondoukou department, commended the initiative, recognizing its contribution to positioning youth as a vital force for social stability and development.
“Youth represent an invaluable asset for our nation. They must serve as a driving force for social cohesion, peace, and engaged citizenship,” he declared, encouraging participants to fully embrace the insights shared during the various presentations.
The workshop featured several key interventions, including a presentation on animating associative life by Jean Pierre Kouassi, a personal testimony on associative commitment from Gla Serge, and a panel discussion on the appropriate posture of youth leaders facing politics, led by Pascal Kouamé.
This gathering also included the official presentation of the local CNJCI bureau. It successfully brought together numerous youth presidents from various neighborhoods and villages, associative leaders, student representatives, and other stakeholders actively involved in promoting civics and community leadership across the Gontougo region.