It was just a burning idea to create an avenue for action partner and possibly other young people to openly discuss and share ideas about the MDG’s. This idea came to reality on the 6th Feb, 2006 when OIYP agreed to assist though an e-workshop.



Anna Powell, training Coordinator OIYP and Shasheen Jayaweera OIYP action partner 2004 my co facilitator and I started planning and promoting the e-workshop two months the before the date of commencement.



We started the forum on a very high note with the registration of more than twenty young people.



On the first week the discussions were based our around developing an understanding and raising awareness about the MDG’s, individually exploring the meaning and our roles as young people in achieving the goals. More discussions came in toward the end of the week so we allowed the same discussion to continue into the second week.



The third week we looked at understanding the relevance of the goals to the government and the community and participants highlighting their experience in working towards the MDG’s



The fourth week, which was the last week of the forum, was dedicated to discussing possible project ideas. This discussion was allowed to continue with an extension of the workshop for another week as we thought the participants needed more time to think about possible project they could work on,while at the same time examples of possible projects with other resourceful information were provide to them.



This e-workshop was the first of its kind on the MDG’s, it was a wonderful and learning experience as there were so many things everyone of us (Participants and Facilitators).



Below are some of the things we learnt about the MDG’s through the discussions, told through the voices of the participants:



Quotes of some interesting discussion points;

….the Millennium Development Goals have more meaning and really make sense to those working in development and the planning and running of economies. For the lay man, the goals notwithstanding, what's important is food on the table, clothes on the back and a roof over the head.

Personally, I see the MDGs as an opportunity to speed up development and move closer to the rest of the world. And this of course can be achieved by putting an end to poverty (food on the table...meeting basic needs), improved health (a chance to live longer, better?!), quality education (or any at all), nip HIV in the bud and of course access to the good things of life (good roads, water, environment, empowerment).

Above all, the MDGs mean a chance to achieve meaningful development and a better standard of living to the average person in my community.



Olusegun Olowu

Nigeria



What do MDGs mean to the common man? I wish to refer to the needs that common people experience in a day to day basis. What ever we can refer MDGs to, I do believe that every human being has a feeling on what has to change and how. Therefore all of us are key to the achievement of MDGs but how many people think it is not their role? My government, politicians etc are blamed. But have we done our part?


… i do believe that there is need for continuous public awareness and civc education to the people to help them better understand MDgs and the role each has to play.
I am perturbed that not many young people in my country are aware of MDGs or are eager to follow up on civic issues. This to me is the greatest impediment to us

developing a common vision for achieving MDGs…

Douglas arege
Kenya





…. So, the MDGs are a good plan, but it is very sad to say that the ordinary people in my country are not feeling the impact of the global efforts at combating extreme poverty. Our government is not giving the international community the true picture of situations in my country.



Ganiu Aiyodele

Nigeria


….I personally support the fact that not every men, women, youth and children in every communities know about the MDGs. I believe that if these goals will be made clear to everyone, then people will be able to take plans as to how best they can be able to take part in the developments…….



Sharon Diave

PNG


… I think that the last goal is most important and is the key to achieve the other goals also. For example

If a global partnership is developed then it would be helpful for countries to combat poverty and hunger.

In the context of “Meaningful” Global partnership,…… through the global partnership countries can secure funds to combat HIV/AIDS, T.B etc, make good education policies, and eradicate the hazards of War…. Through global partnership if hazards of war are minimized then it means budget used for missiles, bombs and other weapons would be automatically reduced. In this way much can be utilized on other sectors i.e, education, Health, Empowerment of Communities etc etc.

Eid Muhammad Shamas

Pakistan