‘Its time to make greater investments in young people’

In Zambia, this event took place at the Olympic Youth Development Centre, bringing together over 250 young people along with stake holders such as the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Senior Government Officials, policy makers, politicians.

The Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development, Honourable Mundia Ndalamei graced the celebrations. Honourable Ndalamei urged young people to maintain peace and unity and to directly engage in dialogue and mutual understanding. The minister pointed out that the Ministry had prioritised youth empowerment through the disbursement of youth empowerment fund aimed at empowering young people. He further emphasised the need for young people to get involved directly with the Government of the day and rise up to the challenge.

The Regional Director, CYP Africa Centre, Mr. James Odit, in his message to the young people, said CYP realizes the challenges that young people face; ranging from lack of employment, poverty and hunger among others. The young people – their talent, energy and creativity – represent the greatest untapped resource for development. CYP, in line with the various global and regional commitments on youth development such as the World Programme of Action on Youth, MDGs, Commonwealth PAYE, The African Youth Charter, was fully committed to enhancing and sustaining youth development through the various programmes

He stated that CYP would continue to work with young people and Governments by supporting policy and programme development. Mr Odit further called on governments, policymakers and development agencies to embrace young people as partners, leaders and agents of change in promoting youth development. “Now is the time to make greater investments in young people”, Mr Odit said.

A youth activist and leader of the New Generation Party, Mr. Humphrey Siulapwa, observed that one of the greatest challenges facing young people was unemployment. He urged young people to create and explore entrepreneurship development, close collaboration with the Government and initiating projects that could create employment.

Mr. Felix “Galamukani” Banda a motivational speaker encouraged young people not to doubt themselves because everyone was rare/unique, valuable/priceless, and significant and therefore, to everything they do, they had to attach value and the moment they visualised this, it would become the beginning of greater things in their lives. He encouraged the young people to be self motivated and make education their priority as it empowered one to exploit their full potential in life.

Young people showcased different entertainment performances, ranging from the brass bands, cultural dances and the majorettes with a lot of energy and vigor.

Highlights from other speakers were centered on Youth unemployment and participation.

The African Youth Day celebrated every 1^st day of November, seeks to promote and celebrate the youth throughout the African Continent with, for and by the youth at national level.