Tripoli, 08 October 2024 – UNICEF Libya, in partnership with the European Union (EU), and the Ministry of Local Governance, announces the inauguration of six newly rehabilitated youth centres and child-friendly spaces in the southern municipalities of Sebha, Brak-Alshati, Ubari, Ghat (2), and Kufra. This milestone, achieved under the EU supported programme “Baladiyati”, marks a significant step forward in enhancing youth and child protection services in the South of Libya.
The centres, which now serve as community hubs, are part of UNICEF’s broader efforts to promote the socio-economic development and well-being of children and youth. These spaces will host a variety of programs run by UNICEF’s partners, including Future Makers, Terres des Hommes (TDH) and INTERSOS, with a focus on life skills training, social entrepreneurship, and psychosocial support, offering young people and their families essential resources for personal and community development.
Under the Baladiyati programme, which has been in operation since 2018, over 300 priority interventions have been successfully implemented, benefiting more than 3 million people across Libya. The expansion of these efforts to southern Libya, specifically in Sabha, Brak-Alshati, Ubari, Ghat, and Alkufra, aims to reach over 100,000 children and young people with education and child protection programmes.
On this occasion, Mr. Abubakar Al-Trabelsi, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Local Affairs and Governance, said: “Empowering youth goes beyond resources and training; it involves equipping them with leadership skills to make decisions and shape policies for sustainable development. The Ministry of Local Governance across Libya will create an environment where youth play a key role in driving sustainable growth and addressing modern challenges with creativity and flexibility.”
From his end, Mr. Nicola Orlando, the European Union Ambassador to Libya, expressed the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting Libya’s future: “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to improving Libya’s future through its youth. These centres provide safe environments for young people to develop crucial life skills, engage in educational activities, and receive psychosocial support. The EU stands ready to continue supporting Libya’s journey towards peace, stability, and inclusive governance.“
Mr. Mohamad Fayyazi, UNICEF Libya Country Representative, highlighted the significance of these centres during the inauguration: “We value the diverse range of programmes these centres will offer to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators in their communities. The partnerships we’ve fostered with the EU and the Ministry of Local Governance are invaluable. Together, we are creating a foundation for peace and resilience, offering opportunities that will enable youth to become drivers of positive change in their communities.
These rehabilitated youth centres and child-friendly spaces are designed to provide young people with safe, inclusive environments for learning, creativity, and social engagement. As part of the Baladiyati programme, UNICEF and its partners are committed to supporting the youth of southern Libya, providing essential tools and resources to help them realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
