Finding solutions for slum communities

Last week, world leaders met at the UN’s Habitat III conference to develop a shared plan for creating safe, sustainable cities. Y Care International sent three youth delegates to ensure the voices of young people were heard on this global stage.

Lahai, has worked with YMCA Sierra Leone for the last three years as an advocate and a community volunteer. Passionate about involving his community in taking action, he wants to transform the lives of slum dwellers.

He looks back on his experiences during the conference – and explains what he hopes to achieve in his home community in Sierra Leone.

Hopes for Habitat III
Going to the Habitat III conference as a youth delegate was an immense opportunity for me. I met different people from different horizons. We discussed their issues and their views.

I want to find solutions there that I can apply to my community. I can’t wait to get back home because there is a lot to do in my community. I look forward to sharing what I learnt.

Lahai and the other youth delegates arrive at Habitat III.

From Quito to Freetown
We all went with specific issues we wanted to raise: for me, it was slums. I want to share those problems and find solutions. I wanted to learn about engaging youth – the government isn’t very popular with young people because they don’t know how to engage with them.

I’m planning to conduct advocacy initiatives to talk to the government about land rights, housing issues and youth needs.

Young people leading change
To be a leader you need to know the issues and find possible solutions to them. Attending the conference has inspired me and will help me tackle housing and land problems. When I get back I will share my experiences from Quito with my community.

I will try to mobilise the community and the government to find local solutions, working in collaboration. We want the government to stop treating slums like illegal settlements.

We have rights and they need to involve us in any decisions concerning slums.

Involving communities
Community members have a huge role to play; it’s important to work with them because they are the ones who know the issues. Only then can you solve problems, through working together.

Young people are pivotal individuals that can make things happen. Take me for example! We need to involve youth – when they feel like they belong and they are motivated, they do their very best.