A message from the Assistant Director of Youth on the occasion of International Youth Day 2019
Today, Guyana joins the rest of the world in observance of International Youth Day 2019. Celebrated annually on August 12, International Youth Day recognizes the efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society. It also aims at inspiring young people to exercise a more active role in nation building.
This year, International Youth Day is celebrated under the theme, “Transforming education”.
This theme is intended to highlight and promote efforts to make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youth, as outlined in Goal Four of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. International Youth Day 2019 seeks to examine the transformation of education and assess the efforts being made towards achieving the aforementioned Sustainable Development Goal.
According to statistics provided by the United Nations, “only 10% of people have completed upper secondary education in low income countries; 40 % of the global population is not taught in a language they speak or fully understand; and over 75 % of secondary school age refugees are out of school.”
It was further outlined that “Indigenous youths, young people with disabilities, young women, young people belonging to vulnerable groups or in vulnerable situations, among others, are facing additional challenges to access education that respect their diverse needs and abilities as well as reflect and embrace their unique realities and identities.”
Nationally, the Social Cohesion Agenda of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has positively influenced the functions of the Department of Youth. The Department has become much more diligent in ensuring that all of its activities and programmes are executed in a manner that is equitable, inclusive and transparent for all of Guyana’s young people.
With education undoubtedly being the key to accelerating progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, it is our aim to ensure that every young Guyanese possess the knowledge and skills needed to secure jobs and/or establish their own businesses.
The Department of Youth will continue to empower Guyanese youth through interactive programs designed to enhance skills and develop attitudes so that they can make meaningful contributions to national development and promote the development of a skilled cadre of young Guyanese.
In observance of International Youth Day 2019, we pledge to intensify our engagements with young people to increase our fight towards poverty eradication, reduced inequalities and building more peaceful societies.
Today, I encourage every young Guyanese to become actively involved in their own development, build on the opportunities provided through the Department of Youth and every other agency nationwide. Together we will achieve more, let us continue the quest to build this great nation of ours by building the capacity of our nation’s youth for a brighter future.
Happy International Youth Day to all!