Programa Boyacá 16

Abstract

In a broadcast of the radio program “Voces y Regiones” of Boyacá, sponsored by the Ministry of the Interior, the topic of political spaces for youth in Colombia was addressed. With the participation of Alfonso García, Lenin López and William Parra, and the presence of special guests Mesías Corredor, president of the community federation, and Fernando López, community leader, the discussion focused on the importance of youth participation in the Community Action Boards (JAC) and other political spaces. A historical review of communal action in the country was made, highlighting Law 743 of 2002 as a milestone that opened participation to young people from the age of 14, and examples of successful youth initiatives in various municipalities were presented, including communal enterprises in sectors such as services, hotels, bakeries and a sugar cane milling mill. The problem of youth apathy towards politics, both in the CABs and in other areas, was analyzed, and the need for greater government support and strengthening of democracy among young people was proposed. Article 20 of Law 743, which facilitates the participation of community leaders in public corporations, was highlighted, and mention was made of the first youth community congress in Cartagena, the proposal of a community chair in schools and the National Community Games as spaces for participation. The main conclusion was that, although there are political spaces for the youth, these are often unknown, so it was proposed to promote participation in the JACs, generate spaces for a chair, promote communal games and position community leaders in public corporations.