COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to community development is SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This goal aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Some of the key targets of SDG 11 that International Youths Development Network is addressing include:Working with community heads and youths’ groups within the rural and urban communities to provide access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, where community members can use as a relaxation point. This is not common in most African villages and cities. Few in existence has been converted to beer parlors or motor parks.
Also, our project teams findings so far indicate that setting up new relaxation point or rehabilitating existing ones in most communities we visited could be a very difficult task because of the greed associated with property ownership, government policies and land grabbing by government officials. After much dialogue with village heads and government bodies and creating awareness of the importance of such relaxation point majority have seen the environmental and health benefits and assure us of their participation.
As our earth becomes hotter as a result of climate change and also the daily buildup of stress as a result of the economic downturn, finding time for just 5 minutes to relax while gazing at beautiful flowers in such spots can help us find the energy to tackle our workloads or resolve issues. Research shows that relaxation keeps your heart healthier, cuts stress, reduces muscle tension, improves brain function and memory, and helps us avoid depression, anxiety, and digestive issues. Relaxation also boosts your immune system and helps alleviate the symptoms of many medical and psychological disorders.To achieve these targets
International Youths Development Network project teams are currently preparing the project plan after which we shall resume:
- Engagement with local communities in decision-making processes regarding urban planning and development.
- Promoting equitable access to basic services, such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.
- Developing green infrastructure, such as parks, gardens, and urban forests, to improve quality of life and promote sustainable living.
- Implementing measures to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as flood early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.
This project will also help communities enhance urban resilience to disasters and climate change impacts.
International Youths Development Network community development approach plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 11 as it involves empowering individuals and communities to actively participate in the development and decision-making processes that affect their lives.
By fostering inclusive and sustainable communities, SDG 11 aims to create cities that are socially, environmentally, and economically vibrant and resilient.
