Dinbabo, Mulugeta FitamoChege, Stella E.W.NULLFaculty of Arts2013-06-202024-11-052013/02/152013/02/152013-06-202024-11-052011https://hdl.handle.net/10566/17382Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA(DVS)During this study, the challenges and best practices of youth participation in problem identification, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes were investigated and the effect of project outcomes on the youth and its implications for community development observed. The use of the qualitative research methodology to examine the extent to which the youth are involved in the decision-making processes was employed. In addition, a literature review that pertained to youth development and participatory community development was conducted. In particular, the participatory concept, and its relation to the inclusion of the youth at the decision-making table, was examined. By providing evidence from the empirical data, an argument is presented that there are internal rigidities that are a hindrance to the youth in expressing their voice in the decision-making platform. However, the conclusion can be drawn that in order to understand the process of participatory development, it is crucial for the youth, community development practitioners and other stakeholders to understand the socio-economic conditions surrounding the youth as these will ensure positive programme outcomes as well as subsequent sustainable youth development.enCommunity, decision making, governance, Spes Bona, articipation, partnership, policy, sustainability, transparency, youthCommunitydecision makinggovernanceSpes BonaarticipationpartnershippolicysustainabilitytransparencyyouthThesisUniversity of the Western Cape