University of Jaffna Partners with IFES to Launch the PAVE Program, Empowering Youth for Democratic Engagement

University of Jaffna Partners with IFES to Launch the PAVE Program, Empowering Youth for Democratic Engagement

In a significant step toward fostering civic engagement and democratic governance among the nation’s youth, the Faculty of Arts at the University of Jaffna has officially launched the PAVE (Participate. Advocate. Voice. Engage.) program. This initiative, a partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Sri Lanka, is designed to empower students to become proactive advocates for inclusive elections and democratic reforms. The program is part of Australia’s Strengthening Governance Program and is already being implemented in districts across the country, including Jaffna, Badulla, and Hambantota, as well as at the University of Colombo The partnership was solidified following a conversation on August 6, 2025, between Dr. S. Raguraman, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Dr. T. Vigneswaran, Head of the Department of Political Science. This led to a subsequent meeting on September 18, 2025, with key university officials, including Vice Chancellor Professor S. Srisatkunarajah. During the meeting, the IFES team expressed their gratitude for the collaboration.

The official launch of the program kicked off with the Module 1 training, a three-day intensive session held September 19-21 at ReeCha Park & Resort. The training was led by the IFES team consisting of Senior Country Director Silja Paasilinna, Deputy Country Director Indraka Ubeysekara, and Program Officer Anojitha Sivaskaran, all of whom have received training from international experts and specialize in youth development and elections. The curriculum was co-developed by Ms. Paasilinna herself.

The first day of the training provided students with a solid foundation in core concepts, including democracy, human rights, elections, and effective governance. Students also discussed the critical role of youth in the three phases of an electoral cycle. The second day delved deeper, with participants engaging in collaborative exercises and discussions on electoral systems, the role of political parties, and civic participation. A “privilege walk” exercise was also conducted, prompting participant

s to reflect on inequalities in political participation and to explore potential advocacy interventions.

The final day focused on practical application. Students focused on democratic challenges within their own communities and, in groups, worked on developing advocacy initiatives. The session covered key steps in advocacy, including stakeholder engagement and creating an advocacy plan. The training culminated with the formation of three student-led groups, each with a specific advocacy focus:

• Group 1: Analyzing the factors behind the high number of rejected votes during the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections in the Jaffna district and presenting recommendations to relevant institutions.
• Group 2: Advocating for meaningful youth representation at decision-making levels by organizing an island-wide research symposium to amplify youth voices and formulate policy proposals.
• Group 3: Developing a mechanism to improve citizen-oriented service delivery in collaboration with local government institutions.

The launch of the PAVE program marks a pivotal moment for the University of Jaffna and its students. It provides a unique opportunity for aspiring political scientists to move beyond theoretical knowledge and apply their skills to create tangible change in their communities, strengthening democratic values and civic participation in Sri Lanka.

Photos: