18 Aug 2015

Youth have called on government to engage them in policy making processes to ensure that they contribute towards national policy frame works tailor made to their needs. 

Giving a youth statement during the International Youth Day commemorations in Molepolole recently, Gaborone District Youth Council chairperson, Mr Tony Petros, said youth should be part of platforms that discuss policy formulations at early stages in order to exchange ideas.

They also believe that in order for them to actively embrace this year’s theme which calls for “youth civic engagement,” they should be fully engaged. 

Mr Petros said the youth calls for the re-introduction of the youth to discuss issues affecting them. He however said that successful youth engagement strategies require youth to have meaningful opportunities and work with one another as well as policy makers to discuss issues of importance.

He highlighted that in working with youth, particular emphasis should be placed on engaging them in areas that traditionally were not reserved for them to break barriers. 

This, he said, could bring diversity in terms of new ideas.

He nevertheless said that youth in all spheres appreciate government efforts geared towards the upliftment of youth such as the presidential competitions as well as efforts to promote the creative industry.  

Mr Petros however said that young people feel that local artistes should be given preference over their foreign counterparts to perform in local festivities as they believe that the money they make can be ploughed back into the country.

Giving a word of encouragement, an athlete Mr Kabelo Kgosiemang encouraged young people to take sport seriously, saying he is a living example that one can earn a living out of sport. 

He also urged them to take advantage of government programmes especially those targeting youth.

She encouraged young people to make names for themselves and desist from copying what others do but instead do what they love best. 

International Youth Day was first commemorated in Botswana on August 12, 2007 after the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendations made by the World Conference of Ministers responsible for youth on December 17, 1999 to declare August 12 the International Youth Day. ENDS