EPF Educates and Mobilizes Young Voters in Azerbaijan
In the run-up to the October 2008 presidential election, EPF in Azerbaijan supported projects to educate and mobilize voters through its Norwegian Small Grants Program. Funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Azerbaijan, the program promotes the continued development of civil society and democratic institutions by awarding small grants.
Five project proposals were selected by the Embassy for funding. One of the most unique projects was the Youth Voice is the Voice of the Future project, implemented by the Ganja-based Bridge to the Future Public Union. The project aimed to promote the active participation of rural youth in the presidential election. To achieve this goal, Bridge to the Future organized a Bike Action bicycle tour in five regions – Gazakh, Agstafa, Tovuz, Shamkir and Ganja. Following trainings in election mobilization, rights and responsibilities, the Bike Action riders took to the streets, attracting much-needed attention in their quest to inspire and inform voters. It was an innovative and environmentally-friendly approach to educate citizens about elections and their rights. After the ride, promoters conducted a press conference where best practices were shared and informational materials were distributed.
Mr. Richard Scarborough, First Secretary of the Norwegian Embassy, joined in the ride. “The Norwegian Embassy was at the outset very impressed with the project prepared by Bridge to the Future,” noted Mr. Scarborough. “The combination of a sports event and youth training seems a very good combination. Focusing on alternative means of transport in Azerbaijan, such as bicycles, is also something we strongly support, for the benefit of the environment as well as the health of the population…”
Other project participants included representatives of the Azerbaijan Ministries of Youth & Sports and Health, the Main State Road Police Department and the Shamkir Department of NGO Forum.
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Lecture: Eight versions of the post-communist city
Presentation: 2009 CRRC Research Fellowship
