New Research looks at Youth Hopes and Frustrations after the Revolutionary Promises in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia
Youth have not given up on their societies but they feel unfairly sidelined after playing a major role in the 2010–11 uprisings across North Africa. This is among the many findings of a year-long study of perceptions among activist youth conducted by The British Council and the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement at the American University in Cairo. At a launch event both young researchers and senior policy figures discussed ‘The Revolutionary Promise: Shifting Youth Perceptions in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia Research.’
The research was conducted over an eight-month period in 2012 in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia; it explores the gap between the expectations and aspirations of young people in light of revolutionary promises made in 2011–12 on the one hand, and their actual experiences on the other. It analyses their perceptions towards sociopolitical changes happening in the environment by following activists and conducting in-depth interviews and group discussions at a critical point in all three transitions. The study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics between the largest-ever youth generation and older members of their families and social milieu. The study assesses the extent to which youth aspirations are being met and how development activities can better meet the expectations of young people.
Barbara Ibrahim, Director of the Gerhart Center at AUC which designed and carried out the analysis, noted: “For all of the public discourse around the ‘youth of the revolution’ we’ve not seen either ruling parties or opposition political groups adopting truly inclusive programs or policies. Young activists we interviewed can offer fresh thinking and new solutions to many of the deep problems facing their countries. However, they are quickly losing faith with the exclusionary politics at all levels on the scene today.”
The British Council Regional Director Programmes MENA, Jim Buttery commented on the research: “Young people across the region are at a turning point. They remain energised and committed, but they’re getting increasingly frustrated. Policy makers, need to find practical ways of harnessing the best of what young people have to offer. If we fail to do this, everybody loses out.”