In recent years, the Maldives has seen a decline in civic involvement among young people. In the larger political landscape, there is an increasing disillusionment in the role of the government, government officials, political appointees, and public institutions among young people. Civic education plays a critical role in encouraging the meaningful participation of young people and increasing their agency in the social and political processes.
Fostering democratic values, an understanding of the democratic processes, political and historical knowledge at an early age through civic education is crucial to sustaining a socially integrated and democratic society. The fourth issue of the Maahara Digest focuses on the decreasing civic involvement of young people and the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in creating avenues for civic and political participation among young people.
Transparency Maldives (TM) has over the course of 15 years, conducted research on political and civic participation, developed different mediums and tools to engage young people, and worked towards systemic change in civic education. Exchanging such research findings, tools, and knowledge among peer organisations is an essential aspect of this publication.