Program Title: Strengthening Youth Participation and Accountability: A Grassroots Leadership Perspective
Module VI – Participation and Accountability
Location: JM Hall, Loyola Extension Services – Trivandrum, Kerala
Dates: 2nd – 4th January, 2026
Partner Organizations: Loyola Extension Services, Cheruresmi, and School for Democracy
Resource Persons: Ms. Tinta Thampi, Dr. Aby George
Youth Participants: 25 (Male – 12, Female – 13)
“Before this training, we were unsure about how local governance works. Now we feel confident to participate in Grama Sabha and take responsibility in our communities,” – Kesiya, youth participant.
The three-day ISI Youth Capacity Building Program, the final module of a six-module series, was designed to address this learning gap by strengthening youth understanding of participation, accountability, and grassroots leadership through participatory and experiential methods.
Sessions facilitated by Ms Tinta Thampi, Resource person of KILA, provided participants with clear insights into Panchayati Raj and local self-governance, including ward-level structures, Grama Sabha, standing committees, Kudumbashree systems, social security schemes, and project formulation processes. These sessions helped participants understand how governance functions at the grassroots level.
Mr Jefin, state facilitator, focused on India’s development journey, decentralisation of power, and the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. Through group discussions, role plays, and team-based activities, participants explored youth participation in Grama Sabha, leadership qualities, and the vision of a model Panchayat, reinforcing values of cooperation, accountability, and collective responsibility. The programme also emphasised reflective and experiential learning. Team-building activities strengthened leadership, communication, and trust, while reflection sessions enabled participants to share personal learning journeys and deepen group bonding.
The final sessions, facilitated by Dr. Aby George, focused on governance and lived experiences. Participants reflected on issues of discrimination, inclusion, and accountability, strengthening their understanding of people-centred and inclusive governance. Overall, the programme enhanced participants’ confidence and clarity regarding democratic participation and accountability. Anchored in participant feedback and practical learning, the training equipped youth with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives required for active citizenship and grassroots social transformation.
Jefin Sam Thankachan
State Facilitator, Kerala
Social Inclusion and Democracy