World Assembly of Youth, Youth Bulletin. November 2010
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SINGAPORE : NYC to support RI with community service grant
SOLOMON ISLANDS : Ministry launch NYP
THE GAMBIA : Youths urged to partake in national development efforts
MALTA : Celebrating together
SRI LANKA : A new project for artists
NAMIBIA : Empowering youth for 2030
JAMAICA : Youth month takes off
GHANA : Website to build capacity of the youth on health issues inaugurated
IRELAND : Traffic light labels better for Irish shoppers
PHILIPPINES : Aquino cousin leads 'Yumbassadors' for youth empowerment
SOUTH AFRICA : Youth conference to cost state R29m
AZERBAIJAN : Azerbaijan has held first nationwide innovation fair of young scientists
TAIWAN : Taiwan Youth Travel Card proves popular at international travel fair
SIERRA LEONE : 300 youths benefit from YMCA skills training
NEPAL : Budget 2067 and the youth of Nepal
BERMUDA : Minister hints at protection for gays
KYRGYZSTAN : Youth Ministry holds a kurultai in Talas
CAMEROON : The fourth edition of the African Youth Day was celebrated
FIJI : Youths account for majority of HIV cases
MORROCO : HM the King inaugurates youth centre in Taounate
ST. KITTS : Eight receive Liamuiga Youth Legacy Association awards
PAKISTAN : Anti-drug messages to be included in curriculum
ARMENIA : Armenian youth policy strategy adopted in Yerevan
ZAMBIA : Government concerned with youth challenges
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SINGAPORE
NYC to support RI with community service grant
Singapore, Nov.18 - THE National Youth Council (NYC) and Raffles
Institution (RI) signed a grant agreement on Thursday that will benefit
students who wish to embark on overseas community service projects.
Under this agreement, RI will administer the S$300,000 grant for one year,
from April 2011 to March 2012.
This agreement is part of the Youth Expedition Project (YEP) Programme
Funding Scheme run by NYC since 2000.
Under the initiative, NYC provides funding for youth between 15 and 35
years of age to participate in overseas volunteer expeditions.
Since its launch, the project has supported more than 21,000 youth in over
1,000 youth expeditions to ASEAN countries, China and India.
Other organisations the Council has earlier appointed to administer
similar grants include Mercy Relief, the Institute of Technical Education,
and the School of the Arts.
[CNA]
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SOLOMON ISLANDS
Ministry launch NYP
Honiara, Nov. 06 - THE Solomon Islands National Youth Policy (NYP) was
officially launched at the Pacific Casino Hotel yesterday.
Minister for Culture and Tourism, and supervising minister for Ministry of
Women, Youth and Children Affairs (MWYCA) Hon. Samuel Manetoali launched
the National Youth Policy.
The NYP 2000 was reviewed in 2009 and endorsed by cabinet mid 2010. The
National Youth Policy is a commitment from past and present governments
towards the development of young women and men is the Solomon Islands.
The NYP review captured critical issues faced by young people, youth
serving organizations and highlighted other factors that influence youth
development at both national and local levels.
MWYCA Permanent Secretary Ethel Sigimanu said NYP is produced in two
parts-the Youth Policy and its Strategic Plan of Action 2010-2015.
She said the National Youth Policy is based on youth principles with
differences.
Hon. Manetoali acknowledges the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children
Affairs and its stakeholders from within government and civil society for
their efforts to produce the revised Solomon Islands National Youth Policy
and its Strategic Plan of Action 2010-2015.
Mr Manetoali said the national youth policy gives the rationale for youth
development efforts.
“Provide background information on the situations of our young people, and
lays out a framework for the many stakeholders to act”.
The youth of Solomon islands makeup more than 30 percent of the population.
He said the key element of that framework is helping youths to help
themselves with its goals give stakeholders a path to maximize the
collective results of their individual actions.
Hon Manetoali added the six policy priority outcomes must begin to join
hands to pay increased attention.
He said the mainstreaming approach will ensure the maximum use of human
and financial resources and ensure that the cross-cutting nature of the
national youth policy is realized.
“Relevant stakeholders and mechanisms must be strengthen as part of the
youth mainstreaming process to ensure that they can act as lead agencies
in research, planning and evaluation of the youth policy and plan of
action”.
Minister Manetoali said the current government will review the National
Youth Congress and the role of the commonwealth youth program in Solomon
Islands.
He added that the government will endeavor to accomplish all of its policy
goals within the context of the family.
“Government is committed to ensuring that sufficient resources are
available”.
He said the youths of this nation have spoken through the national youth
policy.
Mr Manetoali urges youth to be reminded of the responsibilities to work
alongside with young people as together everyone can achieve the goal of
the National Youth Policy. Representatives from the ministry, NGOs and
youth stakeholders attended the launching yesterday.
[Solomon Star]
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THE GAMBIA
Youths urged to partake in national development efforts
Banjul, Nov. 03 - THE Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth
and Sports, Mr. Alieu Jammeh has called upon the youth population to play
significant roles in the socio-economic development of their societies,
noting that as they constitute a majority of the society, they thus serve
as links between the past and the future.
Mr. Jammeh made this call at the celebration of the African Youth Day and
International Year of Youth which was organized by the National Youth
Council with support from the UNFPA.
According to Jammeh, it is a realization of the potentials of youths that
would make all parents, individuals and organizations, public, private,
formal, informal organizations sectors to invest in them for sustainable
and meaningful development of the country.
He noted that the government is absolutely committed to the welfare of its
young people and would not relent in addressing challenges of the youth.
He also added the government through his Ministry has created several
youth assistance programmers such as NYSS, NEDI, GAMJOBS, PIA, the
National Youth Council, amongst others, while at the same time have
provided for mobilizing, empowering, engaging and increasing youth
participation in social and economic activities.
Jammeh also described the theme for this year’s commemoration “Dialogue
and Mutual Understanding” as being apt, as he noted that dialogue entails
the respect for cultural diversity, which is the bedrock of social peace.
According to him, dialogue between youths and other age groups, and among
youths is overwhelmingly important. He noted that youths should dialogue
with government officials, particularly those charged with drafting
policies.
“While we mark this very important day, I urge you to be more involved in
the development aspirations of this country,” he called.
He further noted that the challenge to realize the socio-economic
renaissance of The Gambia and Africa in general, as continuously
championed by President Jammeh, depends on the youth’s capacity to develop
and mainstream their energies, creativities, aspirations and ambition into
positive contribution to the necessary processes and actions to
consolidate peace with a view to revitalize political governance in
establishing sustainable structures for youth development.
“We as the older cohort of the populace and guardians must pay more
attention to the education and development of our children as a way of
offering them a brighter future and also breaking the intergenerational
cycle of poverty and deprivation.”
He concluded by saying that the children and youth of any nation are its
future, adding that a country, a movement, a person that does not value
its youth and children thus puts its future in peril.
For his part, UNFPA assistant representative, Dr. Reuben Mboge noted that
1st November was set by the African Union to reflect on African youth
around the continent and encourage innovation and creativity among young
people, and to strengthen youth participation in economic, social and
political development of their countries.
“We at UNFPA are very happy to be associated with national celebrations of
the African Youth Day and the International Years of Youth. The youth
constitute an important constituency for UNFPA and therefore receives
UNFPA’s utmost priority. UNFPA have over the years been supporting the
youth sector especially in the area of adolescent sexual and reproductive
health,” he said.
According to him in collaboration with other partners, UNFPA have been
working to empower young people with sexual and reproductive health
information, chiefly because many young people are vulnerable to lot of
vices including unwanted pregnancies, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS among other.
He said the key achievement for both the government and for the UNFPA is
the adoption and popularization of the African Youth Charter, which serves
as a reference document for African youth and highlights the need for
young people to assert their rights and fulfill their responsibilities in
the development of the African continent. The charter also provides for
the training of young people to take up agricultural, mineral, commercial
and industrial production using contemporary systems and promoting the
benefits of modern information and communication technology to gain access
to existing and new markets. To date, 23 African states have ratified and
37 have signed the African Youth Charter, he said.
Dr. Mboge acknowledged that the current economic crisis presents both a
challenge and opportunity for Africa. Given its huge youth population,
African young people should engage themselves in activities that will
contribute to national development. “In order to effectively take up their
responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the social, economic and
political development of the country, young people need to be empowered
and provided the opportunities to live productive lives.”
Also speaking, Mr. Ansumana Sanyang, information, education, communication
officer at the National Population Secretariat said that this year provide
an important opportunity to increase commitment to youth, promote youth
participation and enhance inter- cultural dialogue and understanding among
them. He added that on a global scale, there are key topics that are of
paramount importance to the youth folk and the United Nations. These are:
governance, climate change and gender. He said climate change has been a
buzz word in recent times; this among other things is due to the burning
of fossil fuel, the emission of ozone depleting substances into the
atmosphere, savanna burning and the increased production of aerosols and
other forms of refrigerants.
He said the government is aware of the challenges facing the country’s
youth, which include unemployment, substance abuse, premarital sex,
unwanted and teenage pregnancies, sexual transmitted infections and
HIV/AIDS. “In fact, one of the components of the National Population
Policy is the Youth Project which is implemented by the Ministry of Youth
and Sports through the National Youth Council and this is funded under the
UNFPA-supported population country programme. To enable youth contribute
positively to national development, these issues need to be addressed,” he
said.
Other speakers at the event included the director, Department of Youth and
Sports, Mr. Malang Jassy and Mr. Marcel Mendy, executive secretary of the
National Youth Council.
[Today]
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MALTA
Celebrating together
Valleta, Nov. 28 - THE Office of the Commissioner for Children recently
organised ‘Niċċ elebraw Flimkien’ (celebrating together) at the
Verdala Castle. The event was held in order to commemorate the 20th
anniversary of Malta’s Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of
the Child.
Various government departments and agencies offering services to children
in the health, education, environment, social protection, sports and
cultural sectors as well as the National Youth Council and the National
Commission for People with a Disability set up information stands to
inform the public of the different services available for children and
youths.
A special child-friendly information brochure about Verdala Palace was
disseminated by the Office of the Commissioner for Children on the day.
Other events included a police dog show and a first aid demonstration by
young members of the St John Ambulance.
The Civil Protection Department showed children present how a fire engine
operates, an interactive puppet show was held by the Drama Unit, there was
a demonstration by the Malta Girl Guides and choir performances by
Floriana Primary School and Agius de Soldanis Secondary School. The day
was animated by In Guardia, who prepared a re-enactment for the occasion.
The Malta Sports Council and Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju
facilitated workshops and activities and students from Mcast offered their
help throughout the day.
Children who attended this event were given a token by the Office of the
Commissioner for Children and their choice of yoghurt, fruit or water
offered by sponsors.
The children were also visited by President George Abela, Resources
Minister George Pullicino, and Youth Secretary Clyde Puli.
[Times of Malta]
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SRI LANKA
A new project for artists
Colombo, Nov. 12 - THE National Youth Council (NYSC) has introduced a new
project to serve the artists, sculptors, woodcarvers and handicraftsmen
scattered in the Kurunegala and Puttalam Districts.
The NYSC will provide financial assistance to the artists and craftsmen
for their creations. Loans will be granted to them to buy raw materials,
modern tools and equipment.
The NYSC sources told the 'Daily News' that most of the traditional
artists and craftsmen abandon their traditional way of life and engage in
other spheres of employment.
This has caused much damage to the culture of the country, sources said.
The media personnel that most of the artists are unable to bare the
expenses for their creations and they also find it difficult in search for
markets for them.
[Daily News]
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NAMIBIA
Empowering youth for 2030
Keetmanshoop, Nov. 24 – THE National Youth Consultative Conference,
organized by the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture,
recently took place in Windhoek under the theme: “Empowering the youth
today for a better 2030”.
The purpose of the conference was to provide a platform for national
consultations and discussions with stakeholders on key issues affecting
the youth.
Overall, the conference was expected to help generate innovative ideas for
advancing strategic issues affecting Namibia’s development, by providing
mechanisms for articulating emerging concerns of youth and developing
consensus regarding the solutions.
Deliberations were clustered around Youth and Economic Development; Youth
and Social Development and Youth and Political Development.
The three clusters’ concerns and issues intertwined. The clusters, who
expressed their strategies and activities in a plenary, identified a lack
of linkages between tertiary education and the job market as a strategic
issue and therefore suggested that the youth ministry encourage more
internship programmes in tertiary institutions; strengthen consultation on
curriculum development; encourage career fairs and develop a coordination
framework to guide all coordination activities on youth.
The conference further identified lack of coordination in youth programmes
and suggested harmonisation of sources of funds from all stakeholders and
central coordination of the fund.
Also, a lack of start-up capital with regard to youth business development
suggested the review of budgets to allocate more funds towards credit
schemes and soften the issue of collateral, as well as providing business
management skills to young entrepreneurs, providing skills to young
persons to write business plans, provide start-up guarantees and conduct a
research study on successful businesses from which the Government should
implement an evaluation monitoring system. The Government should
furthermore develop tailor-made programmes, a training calendar, policies,
a legal framework and survey reports and develop an electronic data base.
Also identified ws a lack of youth educational programmes on NBC and the
youth ministry was advised to liaise with the NBC to implement school
quizzes, school/youth debates, plays/dramas, and create awareness on
health issues and entrepreneurship on the national broadcaster.
The conference similarly identified lack of access to markets and advised
the ministry to lobby the Government to guarantee a market for youth
products and youth co-operatives.
With regard to lack of access to the job market, the group advised that
recognition of prior learning (RPL), in-service training and internship,
experiential attachment, tailoring courses, funding for further studies,
relaxation of entry requirements as well as enforcement of affirmative
action principles be implemented.
Also branded was a lack of knowledge on environmental education (EE) and
the conference suggested that the ministry should lobby for funding to set
up EE centers in all 13 regions and sensitize the Ministry of Education
(MoE) and training institutions for EE integration in their schools and
training curriculums.
Also to create awareness and training on EE through the use of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT). Furthermore, to identify champions
within the environmental sector to promote awareness.
The group correspondingly identified lack of technical subjects from Grade
5-12 and suggested the youth ministry collaborate with the MoE to develop
curricula for technical subjects and ensure that every region will have a
minimum of two technical schools.
The conference recognized lack of an entrepreneurship training action plan
as a strategic issue and suggested that the youth ministry negotiate with
the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as the Namibia Chamber of
Commerce and Industry to get involved and get entrepreneurship into the
classrooms.
Programs should also be drawn up to help scholars choosing a career at
lower grades and have them be guided on how to go about negotiating their
careers.
The ministry dealing with youth affairs should furthermore negotiate and
create institutions for young entrepreneurs to attend with regard to
theoretical and practical entrepreneurship careers.
Participants from the cluster on youth and political development
particularly maintained that the Government should implement a tax levy on
alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. Proceeds should be deposited in a Youth
Development Fund which will cater for the needs of young people, and even
if young people are the consumers, they will still benefit.
The group also expressed the need for a youth desk in every ministry to
ensure youth involvement in decision-making and policy implementation.
There should be legislation for the monitoring and evaluation of all
government policies, and a youth employment scorecard and compulsory
internship with regard to policy domain should be implemented.
With regard to presentation and voice, the cluster felt a youth parliament
should be established, a presidential appointee of a youth representative
to the National Assembly be appointed and a research body be established.
The conference recommended that a new National Youth Service legislation
be implemented which incorporates the compulsory nationalism curriculum
that will cover the national economy, history of the country, conflict
resolution and peace-making.
Young people at the conference furthermore recommended the appointment of
youth to the boards of trustees of the National Art Gallery, National
Heritage Council and National Theatre of Namibia.
A language policy should also be drafted to promote and encourage
indigenous Namibian languages.
The conference recommended that young people should be part of the tender
board to ensure equal opportunities for youth.
The complete and comprehensive conference deliberations, recommendations
and resolutions will be documented and presented to President Hifikepunye
Pohamba and the conference insisted that the Secretary General of the
National Youth Council be part of the delegation that presents the
conference report to the President.
[New Era]
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JAMAICA
Youth month takes off
Kingston, Nov. 09 - THE National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) Youth
Month takes offobservances with a launch held on November 1 at the Campion
College Auditorium in Kingston. This year's theme is 'Jamaican Youth:
Organising, Integrating and Participating for Development' .
Speaking at the launch, Opposition Spokesperson on Youth, Lisa Hanna,
stated that young people are oftentimes denied the resources needed to
excel and, therefore, encouraged stakeholders to become more integral in
the development of youth. Senator Warren Newby, Parliamentary Secretary in
the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, outlined a number of programmes
being developed to engage young people in the near future. He alluded to
programmes to boost youth entrepreneurship and explained that much is
being done to further youth opportunities.
Roberta Brown-Ellis, director of Youth Policy and Programme Development at
the NCYD, stated that the theme is in keeping with the UN's International
Year of the Youth. While outlining the month's activities, she also added
that the NCYD is geared towards encouraging young people to become more
integrated and participate in the developmental process through
organisational structures that will benefit the country. These include
participation in processes to advance economic growth through industry as
well as governance and community development.
This month's major observances will begin with a Behaviour Change
Communication Seminar on November 4 at the Islington High School, followed
by a Gospel Explosion Concert to be held at Water Square in Falmouth,
Trelawny on the 20th. International Students' Day, observed on November
17, will take the form of a Youth Conference and Rally, which will
critically assess the issues surrounding funding for tertiary education,
while promoting youth advocacy and active participation of youth in
matters of civic and national interest. This conference will be held at
the Vere Technical High School in Clarendon.
A Portmore Youth Explosion will be held on November 20, which will be a
showcase of youth talent in the municipality and a Youth and Ministers'
Forum will be held on November 22.
The National Youth Council will have its elections on November 27 in
parishes islandwide. The premier event for Youth Month celebrations, the
Prime Minister's Youth Awards for Excellence, will be held at the
Emancipation Park on Sunday, November 28.
This event gives the Prime Minister the opportunity to publicly
acknowledge the achievements of Jamaican Youth in the categories of
academics, agriculture, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, journalism,
leadership, sports, youth in service and international achievements. In
addition, the ceremony will recognise the service of one youth-serving
organisation.
The awards ceremony will be accentuated by youths showcasing their
performing and cultural talents to entertain the audience. The month will
end with a project at the Muirton Boys' Home in Portland on December 5.
This is to commemorate International Volunteers' Day.
[Jamaica Observer]
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GHANA
Website to build capacity of the youth on health issues inaugurated
Kumasi, Nov. 05 - PROFESSOR William Otto Ellis, Vice-Chancellor of the
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has urged
health-based organizations to step up education of the youth on
reproductive health issues.
He said it was important that young people were adequately sensitized on
family planning, sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) and safe motherhood
if the country was to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on health.
Professor Ellis said this in a speech read for him at the inauguration of
a youth website - "www.youthghana. org" in Kumasi.
Created and sponsored by the National Youth Council, its goal is to
provide access to the youth to update their knowledge on health,
education, constitution, governance and youth policies. It is part of a
youth project being developed by the Council to broaden its Information,
Communication and Technology (ICT) base for efficient work.
Professor Ellis commended the Council for the initiative and stressed the
need for the nation to invest in ICT education. This, he said, was the way
forward for accelerated socio-economic progress.
Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, said he was happy that the
Council was taking steps to assist the youth to broaden their knowledge
base.
[GNA]
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IRELAND
Traffic light labels better for Irish shoppers
Dublin, Nov. 17 - IRISH grocery shoppers are more likely to correctly
identify the level of fat, sugar and salt in food products that use the
traffic light colour coding labelling system, new research has found.
Traffic light colour coding is where key nutrients, such as saturated fat
and salt, are ranked and colour coded as high (red), medium (amber) or low
(green) based on nutrient cut-off points. This label system is currently
not available on most products in Ireland.
However research carried out among 400 Irish shoppers found that four out
of five claimed that the words high, medium and low, combined with the
colours red, amber and green helped them to determine the nutritional
content of a product.
In fact, those using this labelling system were more likely to correctly
identify the level of key nutrients in the majority of products tested
compared to shoppers using the current GDA label that is widely used in
Ireland.
GDA (guideline daily amounts) labels provide numerical information on
actual amounts of key nutrients and relates this information to GDAs using
percentages and/or bar charts. This system is based on the estimated
average requirements for healthy men and women aged between 19 and 50.
According to Michael O'Shea, chief executive of the Irish Heart Foundation
(IHF), these findings confirm the aim of the traffic light colour coding
system, which is designed to help consumers identify at a glance the level
of key nutrients of relevance to their health.
"The research supports our position on calling for traffic light colour
coding to help consumers make the healthier choice, and echoes several
international studies on food labelling. This research is extremely timely
and highlights to MEPs (members of European Parliament) and the EU Council
of Ministers consumer preferences and public health needs, when finalising
proposed regulations for food labelling in the coming months," Mr O'Shea
said.
Meanwhile according to Deiniol Jones, assistant director of the National
Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), in light of commitments by the Government
to tackle obesity, this proposal ‘offers an opportunity to further empower
consumers to make informed choices about the food they and their families
eat'.
The research was undertaken by Red C and was published by the IHF, the
NYCI and the Irish Cancer Society. The aim was to determine which food
label system consumers interpret correctly, find easier to use and would
like to use in the future and which system allows consumers to correctly
determine the key nutrients of a product and how quickly.
Four-hundred people were interviewed after leaving grocery stores at eight
shopping centres nationwide.
[Irish Health]
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PHILIPPINES
Aquino cousin leads 'Yumbassadors' for youth empowerment
Manila, Nov. 06 - PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III’s cousin, Paolo Benigno
“Bam” Aquino IV, is among the nine youth leaders handpicked by a local
fastfood chain to represent and promote youth empowerment and nationalism.
Dubbed as the “Yumbassadors,” the nine youth leaders are Jollibee’s
representatives in promoting individuality and excellence among the youth
through fun, relevant and engaging activities. The nine Yumbassadors are
the Youth Icons in their chosen fields – Academics, Sports, Literature,
Arts and Social Entrepreneurship.
Having been born into a family of political leaders, Aquino, is the
youngest in Philippine history to head a government agency, the National
Youth Commission, when he was just 26 years old.
Now 33, Aquino is still active in various social business enterprises and
is currently the president of the 10 Accomplished Youth Organization
Awards and MicroVentures, Inc. He is also spokesman for Children’s Hour
and Haribon Foundation.
The other Jollibee Yumbassadors are:
Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara, 18, hails from Cagayan de Oro and has made
history in Philippine sports by being the first Filipino to win a
grandslam title during the junior doubles competition (he had a Taiwanese
co-player) in the 2009 Australian Open.
Miro Frances Capili, 15, is the youngest three-time recipient of the
prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature. She received her
first Palanca award in 2008 by winning 1st place in the Kabataan (youth)
Essay category and she again bagged top prize for both the Essay and
Kabataan Essay categories for 2010. She was recently admitted as a Fellow
for the 49th Siliman University National Writers’ Workshop, the oldest
literary workshop in the country.
Aside from being active in theater and the mainstream entertainment scene,
Sam Concepcion also inspires the youth through his non-showbiz roles. He
was declared the Youth Ambassador for Education and the Arts in the 3rd
District of Manila in 2005. He also serves as the youth role model and
spokesperson for the Department of Education and the Business Software
Alliance’s B4USurf Campaign which promotes a safe and legal digital world.
He is also the Ambassador for Children of World Vision, an organization
that helps send indigent children to school. In 2009, he was given the
Outstanding Youth Leader Award by the United Nations Youth Association of
the Philippines.
Co-founding Rags to Riches together with nine other partners, Reese
Fernandez, helped empower women of Payatas, a poor community in Manila by
teaching them to create world-class bags out of rags under the creative
supervision of renowned designers like Rajo Laurel and Amina
Aranaz-Alunan. Fernandez was named one of the 20 Global Young Social
Entrepreneurs by the International Youth Foundation in 2008 and was
granted Rolex’s Award for Enterprise Young Laureates Programme in 2010.
While many kids shun away from mathematics, Carmela Lao, 17, embraces the
subject and has made a name for herself at a young age by winning in the
2008 International Mathematical Olympiad held in Kazakhstan. She is the
first Filipina to win the silver medal at the oldest and most prestigious
math competition in the world. The following year, she won the bronze
prize for the same competition.
Nasser Lubay, a self-taught visual artist, is the epitome of how
perseverance leads to success. The 27 year-old artist has been given
accolades by various international competitions such as the Celeste Prize
in Berlin where his watercolor painting Rebirth placed 2nd. In 2009, his
Save the Green design was shortlisted for the World Eco Bag Exhibition in
Malaysia and he was also selected to participate in the Animamix Biennial
2009-2010—the first major cross strait international art show— in Taiwan
and China.
Jean Stefano Marcelo has been receiving awards for karting even before he
was legally allowed to drive out on the streets. Marcelo began his karting
career at age 15 and has competed around Europe and Asia. He was the first
Filipino to finish third in the 2007 Belgian Karting Championship Series
at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, a popular venue for the Formula One
races. In 2008, during the World ROK Cup finals in Lonato, Italy, he
impressed Tony Kart Racing team owner Robert Robazzi who then invited him
to join the group that produced Formula One racing gods Michael
Schumacher, Jarno Trulli and Sebastian Vettel.
Sunshine Plata is famous for her coffee paintings which she said were
inspired by a coffee signature she saw in a museum. In 2008, she quit her
job and put up her first one-woman art exhibit. She then followed it up
with eight more shows. Her works had been featured on the popular US
lifestyle show the Martha Stewart Show and various other local TV
programs. Ripley’s Believe it or Not has also purchased two of her
paintings. Aside from doing commissioned artworks in the US< Canada and
Europe, the 30-year-old artist also teaches art to underprivileged
children through free workshops.
“From a brand that espouses real Pinoy [Filipino] taste and experience,
Jollibee has evolved to become an advocate of Pinoy [Filipino] pride,”
said Albert Cuadrante, Jollibee vice-president for marketing.
“Our biggest patrons, the youth, can attest to that as they enjoy the
unique, langhap-sarap goodness of our Yumburgers. Dynamic and unique as
they ate, the young ones still come together at our stores because their
love for world-class Filipino products and services stems from their
inherent love for the country,” he added.
To formally introduce the Jollibee Yumbassadors, a public photo exhibit
was conducted at the Galley of Greenbelt 5 in Makati last October 27 to
30.
[Inquirer]
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SOUTH AFRICA
Youth conference to cost state R29m
Pretoria, Nov. 19 - THE Democratic Alliance (DA) is outraged that the
Presidency has given the National Youth Development Agency R29m to host an
anti-imperialism conference.
About 30000 delegates from across the world are expected to attend the
nine-day Festival of Youth and Students at the University of Pretoria next
month.
President Jacob Zuma is expected to address delegates.
The agency has been criticised by many as an extension of the African
National Congress (ANC) Youth League. Launched by Mr Zuma last year to
empower the youth, the agency controls a budget of R370m. It replaced the
Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the National Youth Commission.
Youth organisations, including nonpolitical formations, nominated people
to serve on its advisory boards — but 62 of the 63 board members selected
are ANC Youth League members.
Opposition parties and commentators have often criticised the agency's
annual budget, saying it is unjustified. The agency's CE, Steven Ngubeni,
earns R1,8m a year — which is more than Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe
's salary.
DA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said that the R29m grant for the
conference could have been better spent elsewhere.
He said the conference had a "notorious history" of being held in
oppressive states such as North Korea, and attended by organisations such
as the Zanu (PF) Youth League from Zimbabwe.
"The National Youth Development Agency should be spending every cent
available to it to promote opportunities for all South Africans, and not
on lavish banquets and radical gatherings that in no way advance the cause
of the nation's youth," Mr Trollip said.
Agency chairman Andile Lungisa — who is ANC Youth League deputy president
— said yesterday there were economic benefits from hosting the conference.
Delegates would be spending money for the duration of the event.
" As a matter of procedure, all youth formations were consulted (about the
conference), including the DA Youth. This would have been the opportunity
for the DA to raise its concerns," Mr Lungisa said.
Mr Trollip said the theme of the conference was "Let's defeat
imperialism" , and seminar topics included "The builders of the anti-
imperialist media are fighters against lies and manipulation" .
"That the state should be legitimising an event of this nature, and
ploughing resources into it, beggars belief and constitutes electioneering
at the state's expense".
Harold Maloka, spokesman for Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane,
said the R29m was justifiable and approved by Parliament. "The money will
cover some of the costs, but not all. Delegates will also have to pay some
fees ... this is an important conference," he said.
Political analyst Prof Steven Friedman, referring to the R29m, said: "It
certainly strikes me as excessive. Even if it is a prestigious event, I
still do not see how one can justify spending such an amount on a single
conference".
[Business Day]
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AZERBAIJAN
Azerbaijan has held first nationwide innovation fair of young scientists
Baku, Nov. 19 - THE 1st Azerbaijan Innovation Fair of Young Scientists has
been organized today in the Ministry of Youth & Sports.
The Ministry reports that the event organized jointly with the Presidium
of the Academy of Sciences (AMEA), the Young Scientists Society, Society
of Graduate Students and Society of Master Degree Holders of Azerbaijan is
due to last until 23 November.
The fair will be attended by young scientists and researchers working in
the AMEA institutes and other relevant organizations of the country.
As part of the innovation fair there will be arranged a conference on the
theme "Under the shadow of science: Promoting and re-production of
intellectual potential for innovative development of young scientists and
researchers”, as well as a workshop for young scientists, entitled "Green
umbrella: ecology and global climate changes, and display of these
processes in Azerbaijan".
It is also planned to conduct workshops on the theme "Protection of
biodiversity in Azerbaijan and ways of erosion prevention at lands
suitable for planting" and "Integration into the world science: Raising of
innovation activities of young researchers - organization of information
exchange", discussions around a round table on the theme "The economic
power of science: Ways of introduction of ideas of young scientists and
researchers into the economy”, etc.
The fair also includes holding of the first competition of business plans
"Towards knowledge-based economy", following which there will be defined
the best scientific and innovative ideas and possible implementation of
these ideas in the economy.
[ABC]
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TAIWAN
Taiwan Youth Travel Card proves popular at international travel fair
Taipei, Nov. 06 - MORE than 1,000 people applied for the Taiwan Youth
Travel Card on the first day of the Taipei International Travel Fair,
indicating the service used to promote travel in Taiwan by more domestic
and overseas youngsters is gaining popularity, according to officials.
Many student groups attended the opening of the Nov. 4–5 fair, and many of
the youngsters visited the National Youth Commission's (NYC) booth to
apply for the cards, NYC officials said.
The card is issued by Taiwan's government to people between the ages of 15
and 30. Card holders can enjoy all sorts of discounts, including on
airfare, train tickets, accommodations, park admissions tickets, food and
even Chinese language learning.
The hope is to enable young people to use their limited financial
resources to explore Taiwan, while also helping Taiwan boost the number of
visitors to the island, which is expected to reach 5 million this year,
for the first time.
The NYC's Head of Department Chang Shu-mei said NYC staff have been giving
youngsters interested in traveling around Taiwan all the advice they need
to get their youth travel experience started.
According to Chang, the card offers travelers discounts on all manner of
travel-related goods and services, including on accommodations at 40
"Youth Travel Spots".
Youth travel groups need only to apply through the internet and they will
be met at the travel spot they select to visit by guides who can provide
expert and in-depth local knowledge, said Chang.
Liu Yu-cheng, a guide from a camp in Jhushan Township, Nantou County,
which introduces the farming experience of central Taiwan, was at the fair
to teach youngsters how to weave and make windmills from bamboo. The name
of the town he comes from means "bamboo mountain."
"Having a local as a guide means travelers get a chance to see the
uniqueness of Jhushan; that's why we cooperate with NYC to promote the
camp," said Liu.
The NYC's exhibit also offers free advice about traveling around Taiwan
and the chance to win travel prizes.
According to Chang, the NYC works in tandem with non-profit organizations,
businesses and volunteers to promote the 40 travel spots which comprise
the basis of NYC's service for encouraging youths to experience outdoor
trekking and travel adventures which Taiwan has to offer.
At present, 900 businesses and organizations cooperate with the NYC, Chang
said, adding that the number is expected to rise to over 1,000 by the end
of the year.
[CNA]
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SIERRA LEONE
300 youths benefit from YMCA skills training
Freetown, Nov. 02 - THE Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) is
presently training some 300 youths across the country in various skills to
enable them become self-reliant in future.
Project manager of YMCA's Support Youth Livelihood and Governance in
Sierra Leone and Liberia, Moses J. Johnson told journalists that the
capacity training was designed for youths in Freetown, Bo, Kenema and
Makeni. He said most students have completed their two years training with
certificates awarded to them to secure employment.
Johnson said they are currently implementing a project being supported by
Care International UK that has lasted for two years.
He said during the training, which is being offered free of charge, there
has been a lot of challenges as the project is targeting unskilled and
unemployed youths, noting however that some of the youths are dropping
from the course due to reasons such as pregnancy, unwillingness to learn.
He added that others simply prefer to work than acquiring skills.
Johnson said they are happy for the enactment of the National Youth
Commission Act signed last year by the government, noting that Liberia is
currently learning from Sierra Leone's Youth Policy and that they are now
advocating for their own Youth Commission.
[Concord Times]
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NEPAL
Budget 2067 and the youth of Nepal
Kathmandu, Nov. 24 - AFTER much drama and all the hustle and bustle in the
parliament, the annual budget that should have been presented four months
ago was finally tabled by Finance Minister Surendra Pandey on Sunday,
November 20, through an ordinance endorsed by the President.
The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) stated that the newly
announced budget has saved the national economy from the brink of
collapse. Meantime, hoteliers demanded that the government recognize
hotels as manufacturing industries and provide facilities earlier promised
to them.
Amid all the mixed reactions, the youth seem to be content with the budget
allocation and the plans thereof.
According to the financial statement, National Sports Council has received
79 percent of the total budget allocated to the Youth and Sports
Ministry. Similarly, the National Youth Mobilization Program received 12
percent, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports at the centre and the
Sports and Extra Activities were allocated 4 percent and 5 percent of the
total budget respectively.
"We want the youth to be interested in sports and not just hang around
and, may be, turn this into some kind of business too," says Joint
Secretary, Rana Bahadur Shrestha, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
[My Republica]
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BERMUDA
Minister hints at protection for gays
Hamilton, Nov. 05 - SEXUAL orientation could be added to the Human Rights
Act by Paula Cox’s government.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Families Glenn Blakeney today said the
Ministry of Youth, Families, Sports and Community Development would work
with community stakeholders with a view to tabling a legislative amendment
to the 1981 Human Rights Act.
It currently omits sexual orientation, denying protection from
discrimination for homosexuals, lesbians and those of transgender.
Mr. Blakeney told a Cabinet press conference this afternoon: “We feel
we’re going to be prepared to address that issue.
“We’re hoping it will be brought forward before the end of the
(legislative) session.”
Legislation to bring women’s pay in line with that of their male
colleagues is also expected.
Kim Wilson, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, said an Equal Pay Act
would focus on gender.
“When you have a disparity in the salaries for the exercise of the same
skills between men and women, that is not only unfair, it’s confusing as
well as inequality,” Mrs. Wilson said.
Mrs. Wilson also commented on the expansion of Economic Empowerment Zones
to include St. George’s and Somerset.
“We will further our economy by further encouraging entrepreneurs and
start-up businesses,” she said.
In Education, Minister Dame Jennifer Smith admitted the continuing reform
of public schools would be challenging.
“We have our work cut out for us,” she said.
A joint initiative with the Ministry of Health will encourage school
leavers to enter healthcare careers.
Dame Jennifer said there was a shortage of nursing staff and senior care
nurses.
The new Health Module in senior schools will encourage direct training,
while Government is also ready with financial help.
“Once they get involved there is also financial assistance and further
training,” Dame Jennifer said.
“We hope that (healthcare) will provide another avenue for our young
people to excel in.”
Mr. Blakeney also set out the vision for his ministry, which he described
as “the social conscience of Bermuda”.
Speaking on the issue of gang violence, he said: “We have the energy,
commitment and passion in our ministry to move the country forward in
facing these daunting challenges.”
Mr. Blakeney said Government would encourage more recreational facilities
on the island through Public Private Partnerships.
This will include a boxing facility, which he believes will bring young
people on the verge of anti-social behaviour “back to the fold… I’m hoping
to introduce a boxing centre. I’m working to encourage corporate citizens
to assist, as that is going to achieve some budget,” he said.
“To change behaviour first and foremost we have to change attitude, and to
change attitude, you have to resonate in hearts and minds.”
Bermudians can also expect to see an overhaul of the Building Code in the
coming year, to mandate renewable energy in new construction.
Environment Minister Walter Roban said: “More than ever, Bermuda requires
a strategy of forward planning.
“Bermuda must sustain its development in a world of rapid technological
change and extensive mobility of people and economic resources, but we
must do so being very mindful of the impact of today’s changes on the
Bermuda of tomorrow.”
Government is to launch an energy conservation campaign and will further
encourage adoption of renewable energy technology in homes and commerce.
The new Building Code could stipulate new buildings must incorporate green
technology.
Through cost incentives, homeowners will also be encouraged to fit micro
renewables such as mini wind turbines, thermal solar panels and
Photovoltaic (PV) panels.
“We want to make it easier for people to focus on these renewable
technologies,” Mr. Roban said.
The Minister said he also wanted to nurture a “green economy… We want to
promote business and this is certainly an area where we can grow some
opportunities for people to get involved in renewable energy,” he said.
Premier Paula Cox today praised her new ministers for taking on their new
roles.
She said the appointment of Dame Jennifer as Education Minister would
“restore confidence” among the public.
Ms Cox said she meant no disrespect to any previous minister, but that,
“sometimes you have to pull out your even bigger guns”.
Commenting on the new Cabinet, Ms Cox said: “They have been eager to get
the work done and have been eager to get their feet stuck in and to hit
the ground running.
“They do realize they have to perform, and are keen to deliver.”
She added: “I feel we have a team going forward to work for the betterment
of the people of Bermuda.”
[BDA]
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KYRGYZSTAN
Youth Ministry holds a kurultai in Talas
Bishkek, Nov. 12 - A Youth kurultai (congress) is being held in Talas
oblast, Kyrgyzstan, Press Secretary of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Youth
Affairs Nurzhan Nazaibekova informed 24.kg news agency.
According to her, representatives of four districts of the oblast, the
governor, akims, as well as the Minister of Youth Affairs Aliyasbek
Alymkulov participated in the forum. “We are glad that the young
generation of Kyrgyzstanis supports our young ministry and is uniting
around it. Our meetings show that the youth in Kyrgyzstan is ready to
solve regional problems by joint efforts,” Aliyasbek Alymkulov noted.
Reportedly, such kurultais have already been held in Naryn and Issyk-Kul
oblasts.
[24 KG]
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CAMEROON
The fourth edition of the African Youth Day was celebrated
Yaounde, Nov. 03 - YOUTHS in Cameroon joined their peers on the continent
to celebrate the fourth edition of the African Youth Day. The day was
marked by a solemn ceremony at the Multipurpose Complex in Yaounde.
Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the event took place in the
presence of the Minister of Basic Education, Youssouf Hadidja Alim,
representatives of members of government, the diplomatic corps,
international organisations, representatives of youth associations as well
as guests. The theme for this year's celebration was "Dialogue and Mutual
Understanding" .
The Africa Youth Day was set aside by the African Heads of State and
Government on July 2006 in Banjul, Gambia to celebrate young people's
energy, imagination and initiatives that recognise their contributions to
peace and development in the African continent. During the same summit the
Heads of States and governments declared November 1 of each year the
African Youth Day and 2008 the year of the African youth. Activities to
mark the day were within the framework of the putting in place of the
African Youth Charter. On the occasion, the African Union has proposed
among other things, conferences, round table discussions, film festivals,
debates, picnics and excursions.
Speaking during the occasion, the Minister of Youth affairs, Adoum Garoua,
said the celebration of the fourth edition of the African Youth Day
reaffirms the preponderant role of youths in the promotion of dialogue,
maintenance of social cohesion and the preservation of peace; elements
without which development is impossible. Adoum Garoua called on the youths
to not to only reflect on their responsibilities as actors of African
development, but also to sensitise their peers on the need to be vectors
of peace, cohesion, dialogue and mutual understanding. He called on
African youths to work continuously for dialogue and mutual understanding.
The event was graced by youth dance groups and young Cameroonian poets.
[Cameroon Tribute]
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FIJI
Youths account for majority of HIV cases
Suva, Nov. 22 - YOUTH in the country account for 70 percent of sexually
transmitted infections.
This is an overview from the Ministry of Youth in relation to issues
affecting the youths in Fiji.
According to the national HIV statistics, from 1989 to 2010, youths
between the ages of 20-29 years old recorded the highest number of HIV
cases, with 159 altogether.
Meanwhile, Adolescent Health project officer Sister Sulueti Duvaga said
this age group is mostly at risk, as they are out of school and they have
noticed that most of them come from broken families.
She said they are working with the Youth Ministry in addressing the issue
through health outreach programmes around the country.
There is an audio file attached to this story. Please login to listen.
However, Duvaga added that more youths are now accessing their services to
make informed choices.
Meanwhile, World AIDS Day will be celebrated on the 1st of next month.
[Fiji Times]
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MORROCO
HM the King inaugurates youth centre in Taounate
Taounate, Nov. 10 - HM King Mohammed VI inaugurated, on Wednesday in
Taounate, a youth center worth 2.7 million dirhams. The Sovereign enquires
about projects initiated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the
province of Taounate, at a cost of 22 million dirhams (about $ 2.6 mln).
The facility will serve as an open space for youth and local associations
to enable them engage in various social activities.
Built on an area of 795 square meters, the center includes, among others,
a pavilion for exhibitions, a multimedia room, educational workshops, a
reception area and administrative offices.
The facility, which will reinforce the social and cultural infrastructure
in the city, is meant to enhance social and educational supervision of
youth associations and promotion of young people’s skills and talents.
On this occasion, the Monarch heard explanations on projects initiated by
Ministry of Youth and Sports in the province of Taounate. The projects
include the construction of a sports hall and an educational campsite.
HM the King was also informed about the projects underway in the province
involving the creation of two educational campsites and several social and
sports complexes.
[Maghreb Arabe Presse]
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ST. KITTS
Eight receive Liamuiga Youth Legacy Association awards
Basseterre, Nov. 15 - EIGHT young persons were honoured on Friday (Nov.
12) by the Liamuiga Youth Legacy Awards Association (LYLAA) for their
outstanding contributions to society.
At a simple but very significant ceremony at the Ocean Terrace Inn, Samal
Duggins, Clauja Bradshaw, Suelika Creque, Virgil Hodge, Unoma Allen and
Larry Vaughn were recipients of the Liamuiga Youth Award for their
contribution to youth development, while Jihan Williams and Dr. Garfield
Alexander received the Youth Legacy Award for their many years of service
to youth development.
Williams and Alexander are former Legacy Youth awardees.
The event was chaired by LYLAA’s Director of the Selections Committee,
Julie Charles. Invocations were done by Jacqueline Christopher, and 2008
LYLAA awardee Azilla Clarke gave the history of the organisation.
The feature address was delivered by Permanent Secretary (PS) in the
Ministry of Youth Curt Lewis, who applauded the awardees on their
achievements and commended LYLAA for the work it has done over the years.
Speaking briefly to the awardees at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Hon.
Sam T. Condor said since the inception of the LYLAA he has been to every
award ceremony and each year was impressed with the awardees and by their
speeches.
Atiba Byron of the Fishers Group, which is a group geared towards changing
the mindset of young men through straight talk and facilitation, did the
representation of symbols.
The awardees were asked to deliver speeches on various topics they thought
affected youths and to suggest ways in which they were going to help the
situation. The topics were teenage pregnancy, building self-confidence and
self-esteem, ignoring negativity, support for youth and volunteerism.
The awardees were honoured with a pin, a honour cord, a flag and a plaque.
Presentations were done by PS Lewis, Director of Youth and past Legacy
awardee Geoffrey Hanley, Celia Christopher, Austin Weekes and Atiba Byron.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mutryce A. Williams,
Founder/Chairperson of LYLAA.
According to a press release, the Liamuiga Youth Legacy Awards Association
is an Honour Society that recognises young people who have been exemplary
citizens of St. Kitts, who are agents of change and who have contributed
to the development of their respective communities and to St. Kitts
between the ages of 16-35, devoting him/herself to a legacy of
Scholarship, Leadership and Service.
During its five-year existence, the organisation took a year off in 2009
to revaluate its mandate but realised that the recognition of exemplary
young people is critical not only to enhancing youth morale, but also
prove nationally, regionally and internationally that St. Kitts is a
nation with young persons who believe in scholarship, leadership and
service.
LYLAA has recognised a number of outstanding young persons since its
inception in 2004. Those young persons are Sharalee Benjamin-Kelly,
Shamara Morton, Janelle Lewis, Fadil Imo, Terrance Martin, Steve
Whittaker, Geoffrey Hanley, Deidre Daniel, Claricia Langley, Jacqueline
Bryan, Clive Saunders, Stachio Williams, Jenson Morton, Nigel Browne,
Winnielle Guilbert, Diana Williams, Janelle Powell, Michelaena Mills,
Pierre Liburd, Konris Maynard, Von Michael Martin, Gloria Esdaille,
Francil Morris, Jihan Williams, Joyelle Clarke, Candisie Franklin,
Sudeakka Francis, Dr. Garfield Alexander and Khrystus Wallace, Lavern
Louard Greaves, Mr. Leslie ‘Sugar Bowl’ Morton, Ian Richards, Dwayne
Weekes, Dominic Matthew, Azard Gumbs, Azilla Clarke, Tonicia ‘Queen
Anastasia’ Martin, Naeemah Hazelle-Menon and Pastor Lincoln Connor.
[SKNVibes]
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PAKISTAN
Anti-drug messages to be included in curriculum
Islamabad, Nov. 07 - ANTI-drug messages would be included in curriculum of
text books from next year and special wards for drug treatment would be
established in government hospitals.
Ministry of Narcotics Control (MoNC) held meeting with federal ministries
and departments for implementation of new Anti-Narcotics Policy.
Representatives from all ministries participated and agreed to take
suitable steps to eradicate drugs from society.
Secretary Narcotics Control, Tariq Khosa said that anti-narcotics issues
are not only the responsibility of the Ministry of Narcotics Control;
rather it is the shared responsibility of a number of departments.
All relevant departments and ministries are partners in the implementation
of Pakistan's anti-narcotics policy and their support is critical for
pursuing the goal of a drug-free Pakistan.
During this meeting it was decided that Ministries of Interior would
assist in implementation of supply reduction strategies through LEAs under
its control, in developing drug free cities in all provinces and in
developing intelligence related to drug trafficking.
Ministry of commerce would monitor the import and use of prohibited
precursor chemicals.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would promote awareness campaigns
outlining the harms of drug use and facilitate projection of drug-free
homes, cities, educational institutions and jails.
Ministry of Labor and Manpower would promote drug free culture among
migrant workers, develop programmes for skill development of drug addicts
and encourage labour unions to promote drug free workplaces.
Ministry of Sports would enhance supports facilities in each city and
Narcotics control Division would provide sports material in this regard.
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Railways, Religious Affairs and Population
Welfare would also play significant role to uproot this evil from society.
Ministry of Narcotics Control has already held meeting with Federal and
Provincial Ministries and Departments of Education and Health in last
month.
[Pak Watan]
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ARMENIA
Armenian youth policy strategy adopted in Yerevan
Yerevan, Nov. 04 - OFFICIAL adoption of Armenian youth policy strategy,
referring to Armenian citizens aged 16-30, took place in Yerevan.
“Armenian youth should play an active role in processes, occurring in our
country. The strategy aims at self-organization of youth,” representative
of Armenian Youth Party Vahan Babayan stated.
As he noted, in 2011, Yerevan will host an International Youth Camp,
welcoming delegations from various countries.
[PanArmenian]
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ZAMBIA
Government concerned with youth challenges
Lusaka, Nov. 19 - GOVERNMENT has said a holistic approach is important in
dealing with challenges faced by youths in the country in the advancement
of the nation.
Speaking when he officially closed a10-day national peer educators
training at Zambezi Source Lodge in Kabwe, Central Province Permanent
Secretary Denny Lumbama said government recognizes the importance of a
holistic approach when dealing with challenges faced by youths in the
nation.
He said government’s commitment was evidenced by deliberate policies put
in place to support the positive growth of youths such as in the national
youth policy, national plan of action, the African youth charter and the
national standards on Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Lumbama noted that peer education was a popular and important strategy
for Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS programs throughout the
world.
He said the recently adopted approach to peer education had transformed
both government and Non-governmental organizations towards the development
of a health agenda for young people in the nation.
Mr. Lumbama said peer education was preferred because it proved to enhance
communication among educators and their audience.
He commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the financial,
material and technical support that they rendered to the successful
implementation of the training.
[ZANIS]
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