Region 10 youth address issues that influence development -National Youth Week Youth Forum hosted in Linden
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DPI, GUYANA, Monday, May 21, 2018
Day Two of the National Youth Week saw Linden youths addressing social, health, economic and educational issues that affect the development of youth in the region and the country at large.
The forum held at LICHAS Hall, featured addresses by Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton, child protection officers, educators, police, and youth and UNESCO representatives.
The panel that presented to the youth.
The meeting was coordinated by the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture Youth and Sport.
Minister Norton underscored the importance of youths and applauded them for voicing their concerns on the issues that affect them. He reassured the young people that their welfare remains a priority of this administration.
In an invited comment Minister Norton told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that “This [the forum] is a demonstration of the importance that the administration is assigning to the youth population in this country. We have to get them involved; we have to be aware of the issues that are affecting them and most of all recognise the important role they play in society at this moment”
Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael elatedly noted that the huge gathering reflected the interest shown by youths in matters regarding their development.
“We originally catered for 150 persons but we had a turnout of approximately 200 and we are happy about that. It says that young people are interested in what’s happening with regards to their development and they actually want to be included in the discussions with regards to this.”
Carmichael also disclosed that GYD $70Million has been allocated in the 2018 budget for youths to access to create and implement programmes to address youth issues present in their respective communities.
National Youth Week 2018 continues tomorrow May 22 with a Career Knowledge Fair at the Mahaicony Technical Institute. Other activities include the Youth Business Summit, awareness through art event, and a Youth Department Exhibition and Display. This year’s activities are being hosted under the theme “Empowering young people to foster national and community development through innovation.”
By: Stephon Gabriel
Images by Keno George.
A section of the audience present at the event.
Minister Norton interacting with students.