The Participatory Youth Leaders Development for Sustainable Success: A Case Study of the Children and Youth Council of Nanongthum Subdistrict, Chum Phae District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the participatory youth leader development process, supporting factors, and problems and obstacles related to the success and continuity of the Children and Youth Council in Nanongthum Subdistrict, Chum Phae District, Khon Kaen Province. A qualitative research methodology was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group interview, and participant observation. The data were analyzed by categorizing, comparing, and linking issues derived from the field data. The findings revealed that: 1) the youth leader development process consisted of three key components, namely a mentoring mechanism that provided guidance and support, a capacity development process for children and youth by “7 Steps to becoming Staff”, and a working process that enabled youth to participate in thinking, planning, implementation, and lesson learned reflection; 2) the supporting factors comprised support from adults and local mechanisms, a strong mentoring mechanism, a continuous capacity development process, and a sense of ownership together with youth motivation; and 3) the problems and obstacles included academic workload, a lack of motivation and enthusiasm, the attitudes of parents and adults in the community, as well as individual limitations and the economic conditions of families. The supporting factors helped alleviate these obstacles through flexible activity arrangements, resource support, the creation of understanding among parents, and intergenerational transfer of responsibilities. The findings led to the synthesis of a five-step cycle for youth leader development, comprising youth leader development, the creation of learning spaces, the provision of participatory spaces, leadership development through practice, and lesson learned reflection for the improvement of subsequent work.