The Birth of the Tumboboi People’s Parliament: A Story of Empowerment and Civic Engagement.
Before their involvement in the SCENE project, the people of Tumboboi faced significant challenges. They had limited awareness of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, which resulted in a lack of participation in local governance and community development. The community was largely unaware of how to hold local officials accountable for their decisions regarding service delivery. This situation created an environment where leaders could operate without the pressure of transparency and responsiveness to the people they served.
However, everything changed with the introduction of the Tumboboi People’s Parliament, a platform born out of the “fireplace conversations” held by the SCENE project. These discussions led to the establishment of a forum that allowed the community to come together, voice their concerns, and demand accountability from their local leaders. The People’s Parliament became a meeting space where citizens could engage with their leaders and discuss issues openly.
According to Mr. Satya David, a key participant in the initiative, “The fireplace conversations led to the birth of the People’s Parliament, which has become a forum for discussion and empowering citizens with knowledge and confidence. This has led to a culture of civic engagement and accountability.”
Through consistent guidance and supervision by KACSOA, the People’s Parliament was nurtured to become an effective vehicle for promoting civic participation and transparency. As the community began to engage more actively, there was a noticeable shift in behavior. People who once felt disconnected from governance became empowered and eager to participate in civic activities. This shift was not just about gaining knowledge, it was about transforming attitudes, from apathy to active participation.
The People’s Parliament has not only brought about a behavioral change among community members but has also created an environment where citizens feel confident in demanding transparency from their leaders. This transformation has empowered individuals to engage in meaningful conversations about local issues and to hold officials accountable for their actions.
