In Moroni, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) has launched an essential training programme for municipal staff as part of the Shawiri project, implemented by ECES and funded by the European Union.
This initiative aims to strengthen local capacities in social mediation and socio-professional guidance, helping municipalities fully play their role in supporting young people.
The LEAD training focuses on leadership and the promotion of training and employment opportunities linked to the green transition and digital development. The European Centre for Electoral Support is also drawing on its experience with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) to deploy this approach for the benefit of municipal staff, youth officers, youth organisations, and socio-cultural facilitators.
As highlighted by Hamza Fassi-Fihri, coordinator of the Shawiri project: “If a young person goes to a town hall seeking help or information about training or employment opportunities, the municipality should be able to welcome them, listen, understand their needs, and then direct them to the appropriate services.”
What makes this training unique is the unprecedented synergy it creates across the entire national ecosystem for youth employment and integration. The initiative brings together:
- the CLACs, whose cultural facilitators serve as community focal points for young people;
- the Msomo na Hazi programme, which structures vocational training and integration systems;
- the Maison de l’Emploi, responsible for technical coordination and monitoring of employment schemes;
- and the UCCIA, a key partner in promoting entrepreneurship and supporting young project leaders.
Five pilot municipalities are taking part in this first phase: Mitsamiouli and Mbéni on Ngazidja, Sima on Ndzuwani, and Fomboni and Nioumachoua on Mwali.
Through the Shawiri project, implemented by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) with financial support from the European Union, several partners are joining forces to strengthen the protection and participation of youth, women, and civil society in the Comoros.
This training marks a decisive step toward building a municipal network committed to inclusion, empowerment, and a brighter future for Comorian youth.
