LocationsBuilding a Brighter Future: The Story of Youth Engagement in Zamai
September 30, 2025
In the heart of Zamai, a town striving for unity and progress, Zachariou ALIOUM, a 23-year-old youth leader of the JEDYZA association, symbolizes the transformative power of community engagement and empowerment in peacebuilding and governance.
UNDP CMR Far North region. Human Security- Nexus (Youth Engagement in Zamai) Zachariou ALIOUM
"I vividly remember those days last April when UNDP came and decided to gather us around activities that they conducted on themes that essentially reflect our realities and the realities of the youth in our locality," Zachariou shared. "One of the most impactful days was when we were called and mobilized at the center of the stadium to exchange ideas on pertinent topics. After these exchanges, we immediately felt your desire to see the community and the youth united and organized. Through this dynamic, we could see your wish to unite and encourage the youth. This opened our minds to things we had previously considered too little: the youth association." Zachariou
On May 25, 2024, an association called JEDYZA (Association of Dynamic Youth and Collective of Zamai) was established with the participation of COZEDA and the Multifunctional Centre for Youth Promotion, representing all localities of Zamai. The association aims to empower young people.
UNDP played a crucial role in this initiative by providing funding through working tools to make youth autonomous, such as tailoring, computer science, and welding. They also offered technical support through peace dialogues, diverse trainings, and policy engagement. "This support was instrumental in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among us, the youths in the community," says Zachariou.
Since its inception, JEDYZA has achieved significant milestones. Over 200 young people have participated in workshops focused on leadership, conflict resolution, and civic engagement. The association successfully established peace committees that engage in dialogue to address local conflicts and promote social cohesion.
UNDP CMR Far North region. Human Security- Nexus (Youth Engagement in Zamai) The Multi purpose Hall in the background, was built by UNDP with the support of the Youths trained through this programme.
UNDP CMR Far North region. Human Security- Nexus (Youth Engagement in Zamai) Focus group
Reflecting on these achievements, Zachariou stated, “Our voices matter, and we are ready to take charge of our future. JEDYZA is not just an association; it’s a movement for change.”
However, the journey was not without challenges. Initial doubt from some community members posed a barrier to mobilization. "At first, many doubted us," Zachariou recalled. “But through persistent outreach and engagement with support from some local authorities, we showed them that young people can lead positive change.”
The initiative has taught valuable lessons about the importance of peacebuilding and collaboration. Engaging diverse voices within the community has strengthened JEDYZA’s impact and fostered a more unified approach to social cohesion. “We learned that when we come together, we can overcome any obstacle,” he added.
We also express our gratitude to UNDP, which provided us, the youth, with football equipment to keep us occupied during these holidays and unite us around the round ball. “On behalf of the youth association of Zamai, we say thank you very much.”
UNDP CMR Far North region. Human Security- Nexus (Youth Engagement in Zamai) social cohesion activites : Football match
Community members now enjoy improved relations and reduced tensions as a result of youth-led peace initiatives. “We are building bridges, not walls,” Zachariou emphasized. “Together, we can create a peaceful and prosperous future for Zamai.”
With the support of UNDP in Zamai, we are ready to tackle the challenges of youth mobilization, social cohesion, entrepreneurship, education, health, and environmental issues, ensuring a sustainable and peaceful future for our community. So far, UNDP, as part of the Nexus, has built a forage at the market, market sheds, a multifunctional center, equipped, trained, and integrated 50 youths in 2015, 100 in 2017, and 200 in 2022, the work continues.
UNDP CMR Far North region. Human Security- Nexus (Youth Engagement in Zamai) : KITS distribution to Youths to empower them after training sessions
UNDP CMR Far North region. Human Security- Nexus (Youth Engagement in Zamai) : KITS distribution to Youths to empower them after training sessions
Related
content
content
