Open Government Youth Lab – Data and Decisions Made Simple is an innovative youth-led initiative designed to strengthen digital democracy, transparency, and civic participation at the local level. The project is implemented by the Civil Alliance for Development as a sub-grantee within the CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI). The initiative is led by the Metamorphosis Foundation, in cooperation with CIVICUS, HIVE Mind, and TechSoup, with the support of the CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative, which promotes citizen participation, digital inclusion, and democratic innovation around the world.
The project addresses a common challenge faced by many citizens: while municipal budgets, public spending information, and local government decisions are publicly available, they are often presented in complex legal and administrative language that is difficult for ordinary citizens to understand.
The project empowers young people to become Youth Civic Data Ambassadors, equipping them with the knowledge and digital skills needed to access, interpret, and simplify public information. Through a series of practical trainings, participants learn about local governance, public budgets, data visualization, and effective communication techniques. They then use this knowledge to transform complex municipal data into clear, accessible, and citizen-friendly content.
A key outcome of the project is the creation of the “Decisions Made Simple” online platform, where simplified summaries of municipal decisions, budget information, and visual explanations are published. Using tools such as Power BI, Canva, and other digital solutions, participants create infographics and visual content that help citizens better understand how local decisions affect their daily lives.
The initiative particularly focuses on engaging young people, women, rural communities, and other underrepresented groups, ensuring equal access to information and opportunities for civic participation. By making public information easier to understand, the project encourages informed decision-making, strengthens trust between citizens and local institutions, and promotes greater accountability in local governance.
Beyond its immediate activities, Open Government Youth Lab serves as a pilot model for youth-driven transparency initiatives that can be replicated in other municipalities. Through digital innovation, civic engagement, and accessible communication, the project contributes to building more open, inclusive, and participatory communities. Implemented by the Civil Alliance for Development as a sub-grantee under a programme led by the Metamorphosis Foundation in partnership with CIVICUS, HIVE Mind, and TechSoup, the project demonstrates how young people can use digital tools and open data to strengthen transparency, accountability, and democratic participation at the local level.