Stakeholder Meeting on Youth Leadership and Governance Held at KILA Kottarakkara

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The Ignite Foundation, in collaboration with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), hosted a one-day stakeholder meeting at the KILA Regional Centre in Kottarakkara, Kollam district.

The meeting brought together Aikyam Fellows, Tinkerhub Foundation and KHOJ, to discuss collaborative opportunities. The discussions focused on youth leadership development, constitutional literacy, and civic engagement initiatives across Kerala.

The meeting forms part of the Ignite Foundation’s work under its grant from the Azim Premji Foundation, which supports the organization in strengthening financial and governance systems and building a network of 180 young leaders committed to social transformation.

These young leaders, drawn from Trivandrum and Kollam districts, are engaged through experiential learning workshops, youth camps, internships, mentorship, and social action projects addressing local community needs.

KILA’s Kottarakkara Centre served as an ideal venue for this collaborative meeting. The Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) is an autonomous institution of the Government of Kerala, mandated to enhance the capacity and performance of Local Self Government Institutions through training, research, and policy support. Its Kottarakkara Centre, known as the Centre for Human Resource Development, plays a vital role in governance training, civic education, and constitutional awareness programmes.

KILA has been leading a major initiative to promote constitutional literacy across Kerala, aiming to build informed and active citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities under the Indian Constitution.

This effort has led to Kollam district being declared India’s first “Constitution-Literate District” — a landmark achievement that underscores the importance of civic education and participatory democracy.

During the meeting, participants explored future collaborations between KILA and The Ignite Foundation, particularly around the proposed School for Social Transformation, which will provide structured experiential learning for young leaders. Discussions also included the possibility of a Trainers of Trainers (ToT) programme on constitutional rights and citizenship, as well as campaign partnerships such as Tinkerhub Foundation’s “AI for Everyone” initiative.

Representing The Ignite Foundation were co-founders Abhuilash K. John, Ijas H., Naji, and Jaseel C.K. They emphasized the importance of partnerships that combine civic literacy, leadership development, and technology for social good.