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The World Assembly of Youth (WAY) is the international coordinating body of national youth councils and organisations. The full members of WAY are national youth councils. WAY has 120 member organisations from all continents. In this bulletin: Nambia, Malta, Way, Swaziland, Nigeria, St. Lucia, Canada, USA, Pakistan, New Zeland, Fiji, Cameroon, Bahamas, Maldives, Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Taiwan, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Australia, Nepal, Zambia, Yemen, Botswana, Malaysia.
IN this bulletin: NAMIBIA : Mushroom project for youth MALTA : Michael Falzon meets the national youth council WAY : WAY awards youth leaders SWAZILAND : SNYC to empower young entrepreneurs; More activities needed for youth; Hhukwini youth receive E95 000 seed capital NIGERIA : Body plans employment opportunities for N’Delta youths; States, LGs should do more on youth development ST. LUCIA : National youth awards - celebrating our next generation of leaders; Leon Hess principal is youth of the year! CANADA : Young men recognized for their community leadership print this article USA : Youth-written advisory bill becomes law PAKISTAN : Entrepreneurship culture needs to be promoted among youth - ICCI; Saad calls for collective efforts to face challenges; Goverment urged to implement ordinance on smoking NEW ZEALAND : Youthful contribution should be recognised FIJI : Youths need more funds; Youths complete life training CAMEROON : Pupils and students exalt peace and unity BAHAMAS : Self Starters programme MALDIVES : “Fighting The Mafia” over drugs BRUNEI DARUSSALAM : Youths urged to be proactive KAZAKHSTAN : Youth policy council under Kazakh president to be created PHILIPPINES : Deadline set for youth parliament applicants TAIWAN : Group mulls ways to keep youth from web’s dark side SAINT KITTS & NEVIS : Youth discuss issues with Caricom commission AUSTRALIA : Youth homelessness won’t be solved by the market NEPAL : UML youths demand youth ministry ZAMBIA : Youths told to sit up YEMEN : Yemeni youth ambassador provides a voice for the region’s youngsters BOTSWANA : Unemployed graduates file 260 applications to DPSM MALAYSIA : Melaka begins delivering aids to the victims in Myanmar and China ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********
NAMIBIA
Mushroom project for youth Windhoek, 7 May - THE National Youth Council (NYC) and the University of Namibia (Unam) plan to initiate a mushroom farming project to alleviate unemployment among the youth. The decision to venture into mushroom growing was made after Unam carried out extensive research on the possibility of mushroom farming in Namibia. The first phase of the initiative will involve 65 youths who will be selected from different regions of the country. The project is viewed as a way of assisting the Namibian youth with minimal capital and as a means of fighting unemployment, reducing poverty and diversifying the country's economy. According to the NYC's outgoing Secretary General Juliet Kavetuna, some countries in SADC have successfully implemented mushroom farming, according to the research done by Unam. "We have realised that if other countries can do it, why not Namibia. The project does not require extensive land," Kavetuna said. The first phase of the project will demonstrate to Namibian communities that mushrooms can be developed into cash crops without the need for expensive farmland and with a modest capital injection. The project will start next month and the initial investment will come from a N$40 000 donation by AgriBank. The donation will cover facilitators' fees, training facilities at Unam, training materials, transport, accommodation and meals.Young Kapere in Line for Top NYC Post [The Namibian] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** MALTA Michael Falzon meets the national youth council Valletta, 23 May - During a cordial meeting several issues of interest to youth and general interest were discussed. The President of the KNZ Mr Mario Borg accompanied with other several officials of the council explain their work to Dr Falzon in particular the way it is distributed and spread around Malta and Gozo. They also expressed their wish that their activities are covered better in the local media so that their will be an increase of awareness among the Maltese on the work of the KNZ. On his part Dr Falzon expressed his wish that the work of the KNZ is more recognised, possibly with more attention by the media of the political parties. He expressed his was in the sense youth in general should have more involvement in our country’s social and political life. He also expressed his wish to see youth more pro-active and progressive in their thinking, issue they propose and in that they do. Dr Falzon insisted that “Youth should have all the space to enable them to forward their activity. They should not be considered as a threat but we have to give them all the space and opportunity to contribute further and better to our society,” He also mentioned that he believes seriously in what he referred to as “generational convergence”, where people from different generations, youth and the not so young, get together on the same platform to offer the best to the parties and the Nation. [Matla Star] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** WAY WAY awards youth leaders Melaka, 3 May – THIS Evening the World Assembly of Youth has launched the appreciation ceremony entitled “Yesterday’s Youth Leaders – Today’s Nation Leaders”. The ceremony was intended to recognize the contribution and efforts of the Youth Leaders in Malaysia. 13 Youth Leaders were awarded for their contributions in national, regional in international levels. The ceremony was officiated by the president of the World Assembly of Youth, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam. In his opening speech, he thank all the present Youth Leaders for their dedication and contribution to the youth and youth welfare. Furthermore, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam praised these Youth Leaders as mentors and example for all Youth Leaders around the world. Present at the ceremony were acting secretary general of the World Assembly of Youth, Miss Ediola Pashollari; president of the Malaysian Youth Council, Dato’ Shamsul Anuar Nasarah; president of the Melaka State Youth Council, Datuk Idris Haron and other NGOs representatives. [WAY] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** SWAZILAND SNYC to empower young entrepreneurs Mbabane, 22 May - YOUNG entrepreneurs who wish to increase capacity in business management have been invited to apply for consideration on a mentorship programme. The programme, coordinated by the Swaziland National Youth Council (SNYC) and funded by the Youth Development Network (YDN), seeks to stimulate a culture of entrepreneurship among the country’s youth. SNYC Communications Officer Sam Simelane said the programme was part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional entrepreneurship programme, which was being implemented by various organisations in the region. “We want to empower young people involved in business, especially those operating on a small scale,” he said. “The main objective of the programme is to promote a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth. This is not only meant to assist young people to develop in business, but it is also an awareness and advocacy programme.” Simelane said it was about time more young people get into business so as to increase employment opportunities and also to boost the country’s ailing economy. Beneficiaries of the programme would be drawn from various sectors, which include agro-business, information technology, business and development consultancy, hotel and catering, events management, mass media and printing, property, construction, insurance, manufacturing and tourism. Under the first category, eligible hopefuls between 18 and 30 years old should have started a business (whether stagnant or not) and must have a certificate of incorporation, business bank account and also present a creative business idea. Aspiring entrepreneurs between 18 and 26 years old, on the other hand, must present a creative business idea and should have been informally involved in a small scale business, but not yet registered. The communications officer said 30 existing and aspiring young entrepreneurs would be selected for attachment with local successful mentors/business people who have vast experience in the identified business sectors. “We believe that in this way, they will be able to learn the necessary skills needed to run a business successfully,” he said, “we believe the mentors we have identified have the skills and experience to assist these young people.” Simelane said SNYC had already identified 15 mentors, who would each assist two entrepreneurs. He said 20 people would be selected from the first category (existing business owners) and the rest would be aspiring entrepreneurs. He mentioned that the mentors include Salile Consulting Director Gideon Dlamini, 2006 Business Woman of the Year Sylvia Mthethwa, 2007 Business Woman of the Year Lindiwe Gwebu, House on Fire Director Jiggs Thorne, Gone Rural Director Philippa Thorne and Bond Connect (Property Finance) Director Busi Zwane. The communications officer also said they were still to finalise partnership with institutions such as SwaziBank and other local banks as they believe these were better placed to assist young people in business, especially with regard to finance management and other financial matters of importance in business. Deadline for applications is June 6 and the youth council hopes to kick-start the programme in mid-June, scheduled to be completed in December. Simelane said monthly monitoring and evaluation reports would be prepared during the course of the mentorship. “If we feel a certain person hasn’t gained the necessary skills and experience by that time, we might look into extending their period of attachment. However, we are looking forward to helping others, so it would be ideal to select a new group then, as this is a continuous programme,” he added. [The Swazi Observer] More activities needed for youth Mbabane, 27 May - SWAZILAND National Youth Council Chairperson Mphiwa Dlamini has called upon the Arts and Culture Council as well as other stakeholders to provide more platforms for the youth where they can be engaged in activities promoting their talent. Dlamini was speaking at the finals of the Ingcayizivele Arts and Culture Festival held at Correctional Services on Saturday. He said as council they were concerned about the high rate of HIV infection among the youth. “Platforms of this kind should be continuously provided for the youth to play a leading role in the fight against HIV and AIDS. More activities are needed to keep the young mind occupied so that they do not engage in sexual activities. Certainly, arts and culture are indeed powerful in getting the message across effectively,” he said. He added that SNYC aligned itself with the HIV National Strategic plan which stipulates that more emphasis should be on HIV prevention, hence they have to play a leading role in supporting such initiatives. Meanwhile, the director of youth, Bheki Thwala said as partners involved in development they needed to achieve social transformation among young people. “Young people have a variety of social interests and needs which have to be well deliberated on if we are to achieve compressive youth development,” he said. Thwala added that arts was mostly preferred by young people saying the Ingcayizivele project was a good initiative which gave the youth a chance to be their own ambassadors in the fight against AIDS. He also lauded the different organisations which have come together to make the event the success it was. Swaziland National Arts and Culture Council, AMICAALL and Swaziland National Youth Council came together to drive this project. National Emergency Response on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA) funded the project which started last December. The qualifying groups which made it to the finals were selected from 16 different youth council centres around the country. Also included were the youth from the six urban areas where AMICAALL is based. Among the categories were dance, poetry, hip-hop, kwaito and traditional. [The Swazi Observer] Hhukwini youth receive E95 000 seed capital Mbabane, 27 May - THE Taiwan Agricultural Technical Mission in Swaziland has made a life-long investment for the youth under LaMgabhi and Dlangeni areas through contributing E95 000 in seed capital for a Youth Maize Block Farming project. This contribution, it is envisaged, would go a long way in assisting the youth, who fall under the Hhukwini Inkhundla and expected to have a visible impact on the country as statistics show that over 60 percent of the youth are unemployed. Sibonelo seHhukwini Youth Association Chairperson Waley Dlamini extendedtheir heartfelt gratitude to the Technical Mission for such assistance forwarded towards the development of the area. In an interview, he said the youth of the area needed such intervention, which has seen a large number of the youth removed from the streets into doing work that would help them to be financially independent. "A large number of the Hhukwini youth were shepherds as they were out of school. Some kept themselves busy at shebeens and bars, imbibing in alcohol, which places them at a bad state of life," he said. "The Maize Block Farming project aims at empowering youth with life skills to fight unemployment, poverty as well as HIV and AIDS. We received help from the Taiwanese Technical Mission through consultation with the Swaziland National Youth Council (SNYC) and we are very grateful for the assistance." Dlamini said the ministry of agriculture and cooperatives also played a part in seeing the project successful. The project involves maize, sweet potato, sorghum, sunflower, cassava and poultry farming. He said they were also part of the SNYC youth empowerment programme running in all the 54 constituencies of the Kingdom. "We are grateful to Her Majesty the Indlovukazi who believed in us and gave us a portion of land at the Royal Farm in Dlangeni," said Dlamini, adding that they have used 30 hectares for the maize and vegetable project. He mentioned that they were very excited about the support they have been receiving from the agriculture and youth development ministries, Taiwan technical mission staff, especially the Hhohho Taiwan mission specialist Shiau as their advisor in the project and SNYC as the youth coordinator. SNYC, as an organisation that empowers the youth with life skills, offered the Hhukwini youth club a sum of E16 000 to assist in the association' s operations. [The Swazi Observer] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** NIGERIA Body plans employment opportunities for N’Delta youths Abuja, 5 May - THE National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has pledged to partner with the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development to create employment opportunities for youths in the Niger Delta. The vice president, South-South of the council, Mr. Marvin Yorbano said this during the second batch graduation ceremony of the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development skills acquisition programme in Port Harcourt. Mr. Yorbano also stressed the need for the centre to be incorporated into the Ministry of Employment and Economic Empowerment. According to him, it is the only way of empowering the thousands of youths who are unemployed in the state. Mr. Yorbano said that, youth in the region are ready to work, but that job opportunities are lacking in the region. Also speaking, the state chairman of the state Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC), Chief D. K. Badom said that the centre need to be supported by the government and other multinational corporations in the state. Chief Badom said that, the situation will go a long way in reducing unemployment in the state. “The impact is that it will reduce restiveness if people go by this. “When they will be thinking of what to do the next day, in order to face heir trade, they will not have time to kidnap people and or go with arms to rub people,” he said. According to him, “if all those in the Niger Delta should have one skill or the other, the question of restiveness will go. He commended Mr. Ken Giami, the coordinator of the centre for contributing towards the reduction of unemployment in the society. In his words, “I thank God and I commend very much the effort of Ken Giami, using his own creativity, he was able to assemble this number of people.” The state PCPC chairman used the occasion the call on the graduands to put into practical use, all the skills they have learned. Also speaking, Pastor Kpobari Biragbora urged them to be determined, saying that this is the only way they will add value to the lives of others in the society. In his vote of thanks, the Executive Director of the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development, the organizer of the programme, Mr. Ken Giami urged them to ensure that the skills learned is put into use. Mr Giami also commended all, including the resource persons for their support. About 320 graduated from the ceremony skills learned include website designing, computer training, hat making, cat erring and snail farming. [The Tide] States, LGs should do more on youth development Abuja, 25 May - THE Minister of Youth Development, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, has called on states and local governments throughout the Federation, to place more emphasis on youth development, as a way of addressing youth restiveness and joblessness which are very prevalent in the country. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Youth Summit organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), in Abuja, during the week,the minister noted that the Federal Government has set the pace in youth development through adequate funding and innovative programmes, but lamented that the challenge required inter-governmental collaboration. “Nigeria is a youthful nation with many of our youths in the rural areas.As the Federal Government is taking the lead, the states and the local governments have critical role, to play as the closest levels of government.We must, as a matter of national priority, accord special attention to the youth question through empowerment programmes and initiatives. “Let me use this opportunity to commend state governments that have prepared and are also implementing youth empowerment programmes.” [Sunday Tribute] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** ST. LUCIA National youth awards - celebrating our next generation of leaders Castries, 3 May - THE Ministry of Social Transformation, Public Service, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports will hold its annual National Youth Awards Gala on May 3, 2008. This annual event lauds the achievements of young entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, students, community volunteers and educators, highlighting their various outstanding contributions to both community and national development. Five youth are compeling for the award of 2007 Most Outstanding Youth in Arts & Culture. These include Gasper George, an outstanding member and President of the Les Fleurs Sessene Quadrille who has devoted his time to the promotion of youth in culture; Trecia Andrea Herman, a teacher by profession and a member of the St Michael’s Youth Group; Gale Charles, a Kids Club supervisor and founder of the Youth Angel Dance Company; Cater John, Team Editor of the popular YO! Magazine and member of the Ghetto Stars and YATICKA organisations of Soufriere; and Shanfer Amedee of the Canaries Community Club who is also a lead organiser of the La Rose Festival and JounÈn KwÈyol activities in Canaries. The talented Shanfer Amedee is also among those nominated for the Most Outstanding Youth in Social Development, along with Emrand Matthew, dedicated President of the Mabouya Valley Youth and Sports Council; Laura McVane, an early childhood caregiver and President of the Monchy Youth In Action; and Rohan Lubon, Principal of the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School. Six outstanding young business leaders make up the nominees for the Most Outstanding Youth in Entrepreneurship Award. Among the four ladies and two men vying for the honour are Anthea Mathurin, who has successfully embarked upon a home-based service operation; Mary Cambell, owner of Kids World Education Centre; Gemma Mathurin, owner of an independent cosmetology business; and Saturna Jn Charles who also owns her own Hair Dressing Salon in Canaries. The two outstanding young men nominated in this area are Dale Elliot, owner of a leading automotive parts dealer currently employing 10 people; and Wayne Proposer, sole proprietor of his own barber establishment. Cathy Mark of the St Lucia SDA Academy, Keidra Phillip, student of the St Joseph Convent, and Rhonda Papius of the Babonneau Secondary School are the three candidates for the prestigious Outstanding Student Leader Award. Along with recognising the top District Youth and Sports Council and the Community Youth Club of the year, the Ministry of Social Transformation, Youth and Sports will also name the National Youth Awards 2007 Outstanding Youth of the Year, presenting them with the Wayne Louis Award for Excellence, so named after the National Youth Council’s 5th president. The nominees for this award are: Rohan Lubon, Sheldon Isaac, Eylim Henry, Laura McVane, Bradley Tisson, Cotne Melicia John, and Devon Stanley. Among those performing at this Grand National Gala will be popular soca sensation Ninja Dan, singing his hit song "RISE" and winners of the just held Word Alive! spoken word competition, the artistic duo Afrolyrix. [The Star Online] Leon Hess principal is youth of the year! Castries, 9 May - Depending on who you ask, the word ‘youth’ has varying definitions. To some, only those under 25 can be classed as youth. For others, like organizers of the recently held youth awards, one can be considered a youth once they’re under 35! The 2008 youth awards was held on Saturday May 3 at the Gaiety Night Club. Though some effort had gone into the stage dÈcor, the set-up could not be compared to the extravagant stage display of the previous year; organizers had gone all out with a detailed model scene of Marigot Bay complete with an anchor and the podium had been tied to a dock. This year, things were toned down tremendously and the theme revolved around independence— streams of blue and yellow cloth hung from the ceiling. Minister of Youth and Sports Lenard Montoute gave the opening remarks at the celebration and showed his appreciation to the dedicated and hardworking nominees. "When we invest in our youth we cannot go wrong," said Montoute. "Those of us in leadership positions must have the interest of our country at heart and work towards that. We need to give youth the opportunity to share and impart their knowledge. This is the only way we will be guaranteed transformation in our society." Tracy Dolcy, the 1st Vice President of the National Youth Council was the inspirational speaker for the evening. Radio St Lucia’s Alisha Ally and Janickae Wilson were the emcees for the night and before any winning announcements were made, the two gave short bios of the seemingly extensive list of nominees. In the end, Keidra Phillip, a student of the St Joseph’s Convent was the most outstanding student leader. Keidra had competed with Rhonda Paplus and Cathy Mark for the award. Tricia Andrea Herman, a teacher by profession, was the most outstanding youth in Arts & Culture. Nominees in the business aspect included Anthea Mathurin, Mary Campbell, Gemma Mathurin, Saturna Jn Charles, Wayne Proposer and Bumper to Bumper’s Dale Elliot. Mary Campbell rose to the top of the group and went away with the award for the most outstanding youth in entrepreneurship. The Mabouya Valley Youth and Sports Council was obviously the most excited of all winners, to receive their award. One member of the group came running at top speed towards the stage to claim the groups award for the District youth club of the year. Their award was one of two group awards presented for the night. The other went to the Monarch Sports and Cultural Club; they won the award for Community Youth Club of the Year. Rohan Lubon was not only the most outstanding youth in social development, the 34-year-old principal of Leon Hess Secondary won the prestigious award of Youth of the Year. The feat is definitely something his students can emulate. Organizers of the award show said the event was a tremendous success. Their judgement was made evident when Caribbean Soca Monarch Ninja Dan closed the show with a spectacular performance of ‘Rise.’ Ninja Dan got the crowd out of their seats and even managed to include prime minister Stephenson King, who was also a patron of the event, into his performance. The Soca performer had the St Lucian leader waving and singing along. ‘Rise’ was quite appropriate for the event but his performance was hardly the sole source of entertainment for the night. The young duo Afrolyrix, winners of the 2008 Word Alive competition graced the audience with their intriguing lyrics. After a dramatic performance by the Christylights dance troupe, Les Fleur Sesenne Group, also nominated for the Community Youth Group of the Year, dazzled the audience with a truly national performance featuring traditional St Lucian dress and quadrille movements. [The Star Online] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** CANADA Young men recognized for their community leadership print this article Toronto, 16 May - TWO Outstanding students from Newfoundland and Labrador have been awarded a TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Community Leadership. Derrick Lovell, a student at Main River Academy in Pollard’s Point, and Thomas Howard of Baie Verte Collegiate in Baie Verte will each receive $60,000. They are among 20 of Canada’s brightest, most committed students, both inside and out of the classroom, who were recognized at a ceremony recently in Ottawa. Dedicated to utilizing his time and efforts to benefit the environment, Lovell has worked hard to make a difference within his community. When a controversial plan was initiated to harvest a nearby old growth forest, Lovell decided to tackle the lack of local understanding of environmental issues by co-founding a school environmental group, Water, Air and Trees (WAT). This group helps to educate and empower his peers and community to take part in environmental initiatives such as shoreline cleanups, an adopt-a-beach program and events to discuss ocean-related topics. Lovell encouraged youth volunteerism as a treasurer and co-president of Allied Youth and serves on the National Youth Council of the Primates World Relief and Development Fund, a national humanitarian organization. He is an avid public speaker on issues he witnessed during a tour of development projects in Mexico, and is vice-president of his school’s student council. Howard is dedicated to utilizing his time and efforts towards volunteer programs associated with environmental, social justice and economic issues and has worked hard to do what he can for the greater good. Seeing how members of his small community support one another, Howardbegan volunteering for programs associated with environmental, social justice and economic issues. As the founder of Youth for Environmental Awareness (YEA!), his group partnered with local businesses to facilitate the adoption of reusable grocery bags, recycle catalogues and discourage pollution from idling vehicles. A board member on the province-wide Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador Youth (FINALY), he has lobbied for youth representation on regional economic development boards and organized leadership conferences. On the Dorset Youth Justice Committee, Howard strives to find positive alternatives for young people in the criminal justice system to help them turn their lives around. Selected by a panel of prominent Canadian Senators, business professionals and past award recipients, the 2008 scholarship winners receive full post-secondary tuition, $5,000 a year toward living expenses and an offer of summer employment at TD Canada Trust for up to four years — a total value of up to $60,000 each. [The Western Star] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** USA Youth-written advisory bill becomes law Denver, 30 May - GOV. Bill Ritter signed into law Thursday a bill crafted by students in Southwest Colorado. Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, sponsored the bill to create a 44-member Youth Advisory Council, which will advise the Legislature on a variety of issues. "Nearly everything we do in this building affects young people in one way or another. We believe it's only right that young people have a voice and their voices are heard," Ritter said. High school students from Southwest Colorado helped Roberts write House Bill 1157, along with students from metro Denver. Students from Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio testified for the bill in front of the House Education Committee in February. Students from Cortez and Pagosa Springs helped write the bill. Young people from a local youth council in the Denver suburb of Centennial attended the bill signing Thursday. The council will help both youths and legislators, Roberts said. "Many of us can point to experiences in our teenage years that helped us see what representative democracy was all about," Roberts said. Six other states have legislative youth councils, and they have proved to be a source of creative ideas for lawmakers, Roberts said. All Durango Area Real Estate Listings Four council members will be legislators, and the rest will be people ages 14 to 19 - one from each of the state's 35 Senate districts, and five from the state at large. Senators will appoint the initial council by Sept. 1. After that, new members will be voted on to the council by other council members. The group will meet at least four times a year. Members will be
volunteers, but legislators set aside $8,472 to cover some of their travel
costs. Roberts planned to meet youth advocates Thursday afternoon to begin
setting up the council. "Now that the bill is signed, we can seek funding from foundations and
other donors," Roberts said. She will get in contact soon with youth groups like 4H, the Farm Bureau and civics clubs to spread the word about the new council. Legislators ended their yearly session three weeks ago. The youth council should be running by the time the 2009 session starts in January, Roberts said. "They should be giving input by next session," she said. [Durango Herald] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** PAKISTAN Entrepreneurship culture needs to be promoted among youth: ICCI Islamabad, May 11 - YOUTH entrepreneurship development is very important for the economic development of the country and much emphasis should be on this sector to achieve this objective. This was stated by Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), at a meeting with Khawaja Saad Rafique, Federal Minister for Youth and Ishafaq Mehmood, Secretary Youth Affair here today. Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the first Chamber in the country, which has taken initiative for Youth Entrepreneurship development and in this connection ICCI has organized two Young Businessmen forums to discuss various issue concerning participation of youth in the entrepreneurship development activities, said President ICCI, says a statement issued by the chamber here on Sunday. He further said that on June 3, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry shall organize “Youth Conference” in collaboration with Center for International Private Enterprises, in which draft Youth Policy, with the main focus of entrepreneurship development shall be discussed. Foreign and local experts on the subject shall be invited at this occasion, he said. President ICCI, invited the Minister for Youth Affairs, Khawaja Saad Rafique , and the Secretary Youth Affairs in the Conference and assured full support to the Ministry for the progress of youth in the country. He told them that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry shall establish an “Entrepreneurship Wing” in the Chamber to provide complete guidelines and necessary information for the starting a new business and to further facilitate already established enterprises, said President ICCI. He emphasized that entrepreneurship culture should be promoted in the country, which will help generate a lot of economic activity. He further informed them that on May 19 Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also organizing a seminar for women entrepreneurship development, in which member women entrepreneurs and students from various universities shall be invited to participate in the program. Abbasi said that Chamber shall also organize more training programs on entrepreneurship development, so as to facilitate the participants in understanding the key issues in this regard. Khawaja Saad Rafique, Federal Minister for Youth Affairs on the occasion appreciated the initiative of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) for organizing the Youth Conference and in providing assistance to the youth for becoming entrepreneurs. He was of the view that ICCI is tremendously assisting the Ministry and assured full support to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in its programmes for youth and entrepreneurship development in the country. Minister and Secretary Youth Affairs showed their great delight for a positive role of ICCI and input in the Youth Policy and entrepreneurship development being the pioneer Chamber in the country. They said that other Chambers in the country should also take part in such initiative, which are vital for the economic development of Pakistan. They also accepted the invitation of the chamber for the Youth Conference. The delegation of ICCI was comprised Hammad Siddiqui, Programme Consultant CIPE, Waqas Masud, Chairman Youth Affairs Committee and Majid Shabbir, Secretary General ICCI. [Associated Press of Pakistan] Saad calls for collective efforts to face challenges Islamabad, 15 May - THE Youth is currently facing crisis and challenges and there was dire need for making collective efforts to resolve the problems being faced by the youth of the country. “As a member of the parliament, it is my commitment to play vital role for the promotion of youth in the country” said Minister for Youth Affairs Khawaja Saad Rafique while talking to the media persons after his farewell address to the officers and staff of the Ministry here. During his tenure, he said, that a youth exchange programme was formulated, while the ministry also planned to establish youth promotion centres up to district levels to engage the youngsters in positive activities. Saad Rafique said that it was the plan of his ministry to further strengthen the National Internship Programme (NIP) for the welfare of youth adding said that making the National Volunteers Movement (NVM) as an effective organization was also on the agenda of his ministry. Replying to a question, Khawaja Saad Rafique said that PML-N ministers would re-join the government, if the deposed judges of the apex court were restored on the pre-November 2, 2007 position. “We have played our due role in this regard and now the ball is in the PPP’s court as we are still hoping the restoration of judges,” he remarked. Saad Rafique said that PML-N would continue to support Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani led government to strengthen the democracy and never allow the anti-democratic forces to derail the process. “We will support the Ministry of Youth Affairs through the parliament during the forthcoming national budget 2007-08, and share our responsibility with the PPP,” he added. Highlighting the importance of political stability, he stressed the need for taking all stakeholders’ role in the promotion of democracy and political stability in the country. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ashfaq Mahmood lauded the services of Saad Rafique as a minister for propagating the draft of National Youth Policy which led to positive inputs from various stakeholders. [Associated Press of Pakistan] Goverment urged to implement ordinance on smoking Islamabad, 30 May - THE Speakers at a one-day conference urged government to strictly implement Smoking and Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance - 2002 in Pakistan to protect youth from the disastrous impact of tobacco products. The conference was arranged for young leaders by Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation ahead of the World No Tobacco Day here on Thursday. This year the World No Tobacco Day is being observed with a theme "The Tobacco Industry Catches You Young." To discourage the increasing trend of using tobacco products a number of strong recommendations were given by the young participants in the conference. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Youth Affair Ashafaq Mehmood suggested revising the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance - 2002 as it has given a very limited number of authorised persons who can be consulted to take action if somewhere the ordinance is being violated. He vowed to launch a massive campaign in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Youth Affairs to inform public specially the youngsters who are most vulnerable about the dangerous impact smoking and using other tobacco products. He urged to accelerated efforts for proper implementation of the ordinance. While responding to a point raised by a young participant regarding use of sheesha as a fast emerging trend among youngster and smoking a single sheesha is equal to taking fourteen cigarette. Shaheen Masood Director General Implementation, Tobacco Control cell said efforts are being made to include sheesha in Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non smokers ordinance 2002. She admits that there are some weaknesses in the ordinance, as it does not cover sheesha as a tobacco product. The target of the Tobacco industry in Pakistan is youth and every day in Pakistan 1200 youngster starts smoking and each year. Dr Anjum Khawer Chairperson Task Force for Tobacco Control PIMS, informed that due to increase in tobacco products use oral cavity has become the second major cause of death in Pakistan and as well in South Asia whereas, according to the western statistic it is the sixth major cause of death worldwide. Tobacco use in the form of gutka and pan masala is also on the rise in Pakistan, especially amongst children, resulting in a higher incidence of head and neck cancers. "Unfortunately, Pakistan is one of the countries with a higher incidence of oral cancer, she added. Involvement of youth in healthy sports was one of the key recommendations of the conference and as a part of it a No Smoking Football tournament is being organised in Rawalpindi in which 16 top teams of the country would participate. Business alternative should be provided to the farmers and those who are engage in tobacco products business. To make thousands of people jobless is not the solution of the problem they have to be given alternative job opportunities. If a farmer is not allowed to grow tobacco in fields then he should be given incentives for some other option such as growing tea, which is also a profitable business, he said. [The Nation] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** NEW ZEALAND Youthful contribution should be recognised Wellington, 27 May - YOUTH are contributing to the financial strength of their communities and this needs to be recognised during Youth Week says the New Zealand Association of Credit Unions. There is no stereotype when it comes to saving says Doug McLaren, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Association of Credit Unions.
“All ages are saving at Credit Unions, even young people, and the savings of youth contribute to the community in the same way that everybody else’s does.” Savings at Credit Unions are used to provide loans for people in the community so those who borrow can pay their loans off quicker and become financially independent sooner. While New Zealanders, regardless of age, struggle to understand the importance of saving Credit Unions seek to teach their member customers to plan and save towards a goal. “Attitudes to debt have changed in the past twenty years and student loans have helped to make young New Zealanders comfortable with it but many of our members are younger than 25 and are successful savers,” says Doug. “We share a genuine commitment to making a difference in people's lives by gaining a real understanding of people's different situations and needs. For this reason we have developed specialised youth accounts such as our Bfree account to allow young people to use our services and develop sensible attitudes towards spending and saving.” “Because we guide our member customers to make the best financial choices for themselves through a professional approach and a prudent attitude towards their investment, we believe every young person who joins a Credit Union will have a financial advantage at the right time in their lives to set themselves up for a lifetime of financial independence.” Credit Unions provide savings, loan, investment and insurance services and they encourage savings, thrift and the wise use of money with all their member customers regardless of age. All their customers are members of the Credit Union and they are 100% owned by their member customers. [Scoop] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** FIJI Youths need more funds Suva, 13 May - MORE money and initiatives have to be injected to address unemployment among youths, says interim Education Minister, Filipe Bole. Mr Bole said the overwhelming response received by the Ministry of Youth's National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) was a clear indication of the high demand for such training. Delivering a keynote address at the graduation ceremony of 110 youths who underwent a two-week Skills for Life training course under the NYSS in Lautoka, Mr Bole said they hoped to train and put at least 2000 youths into the job market this year. However, he said since the scheme got under way, the targeted registration now stood at over 5000 youths. He said while the ministry was provided with $1million for this year, they hoped the success of the program and its results would strengthen their lobby for more funds. About 1493 were registered in the Western Division, while 2703 and 915 were registered in the Central/Eastern Division and Northern Division respectively. "This overwhelming response suggests that there is a demand for such training and that more funding has to be injected in the area of addressing unemployment, " he said. "To address the huge demand for employment, NYSS is the best option for now," said Mr Bole. The program provides courses on Skills for Life, Specific Skills and on the job attachment which empowers youths to tackle life's challenges. He said the Skills for Life was about planting seeds of positive thoughts, good character, awareness of purpose and habits that support the goals of one's life. Trainer, Lorna Penamino said participants arrived with uncertainty but graduated with a sense of purpose. She said some participants secured attachments with firms such as the Fiji Sugar Corporation and KPMG. [Fiji Times] Youths complete life training Suva, 21 May - LAST week saw 110 youths complete a two-week training course on Skills of Life. The program prepares young people for the challenging job market. The training conducted under the Ministry of Youth's National Youth Service Scheme hopes to empower youths by providing them with organised training on Skills for Life, specific skills and with job attachment so they can tackle the challenges they face in life. During the graduation ceremony held at Natabua High School last week, interim Education Minister Filipe Bole said more money and initiatives have to be injected in the crucial area of addressing unemployment among the youth. Mr Bole said the huge number of registrations was a clear indication of the need to lobby for more funding. Mr Bole said when the NYSS first started, they hoped to train and put at least 2000 youths into the job market. However, he said, registrations had exceeded the targeted registration and stood at over 5000. He said while the ministry was provided with $1 million for this year, it hoped the success of the program and win it more in the future. [Fiji Times] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** CAMEROON Pupils and students exalt peace and unity Yaounde, 21 May - ALL Happened according to plan with schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions drawn from the seven Sub-Divisions of Yaoundé, respecting to the fullest the programme of march past at the May 20 Avenue. All the seven Sub-Divisions were represented by two schools, one public and the other private. From every indication, it was more than just swinging hands and marching past the Presidential Grand Stand for the Head of State and other dignitaries to appreciate. Guided by the theme of the 36th edition of the National Day, the "choreographic movements" designed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, magnified the virtues of peace and national unity. With special focus on "peace, unity and patriotism", the primary schools and a Teacher Training college opened the show for civilians. Five aspects of symbolism could be identified as they kick-started the march past: an opening banner, a large Cameroon Flag, a big effigy of the Head of State, another large banner on which was written the theme of the National Day in English and French, and a special square of dialogue and solidarity. The block of dialogue and solidarity constituted a special innovation for civilian march past. It was formed by youths and adults dressed in traditional regalia representing all the ten provinces of Cameroon. The holding of hands by the people who constituted the special square was indication of social cohesion and unity of different cultural entities. The primary schools all marched chanting patriotic songs, epitomising civic responsibility, unity, work and fraternity. In all, each set of educational institution carried a placard to introduce itself, a flag, an effigy of the Head of State and a slogan. Primary school squares each presented major projects implemented in Cameroon under the leadership of President Paul Biya. These include: fight against HIV/AIDS, fight against corruption, back to the farms through modernisation of agriculture, fight against poverty and nation building. The general theme brandished by the students of higher education hinged on "Peace and Development. " Most of them were accompanied by their band and either marched with handkerchiefs of different colours or the national flag. [Cameroon Tribune] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** BAHAMAS Self Starters programme Nassau, 10 May - HUNDREDS of young Bahamians are just weeks away from getting thousands of dollars in grants from the government to start their own businesses. It’s all part of an initiative called the Self-Starter’ s Programme from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The programme, which was implemented late last month, allows persons between the ages 18 to 30 to get grants from $1,000 and $5,000 to purchase tools needed to start their own businesses. According to officials at the ministry, the $1 million programme is geared toward providing financial, technical and social assistance and to reduce unemployment among persons between the ages of 18-30 years. State Minister for Youth and Sport Bryan Woodside said at a press conference at the ministry on Friday, that the programme gives young people a "head start" for the future. "The purpose of this programme is to empower young people seeking to establish or expand their small businesses and the creation and the development of an attitude of enterprise among Bahamian youth," he said. "What Self-Starters does is says to you is that if you have a viable business, it looks good, it’s marketable, it can sustain itself, we’re going to give you the seed capital to get it started," Minister Woodside added. According to officials, some of the areas that young people seemed most interested in were real estate, art and craft, restaurants, graphic design, tutoring services, pastries, clothing, lawn care and beauty and barber shops. In order to participate in the programme, young persons must have a valid small business idea and be citizens of The Bahamas. Applicants are also required to submit an application form, two passport photos, two reference letters, proof of citizenship, current business license, proof of national insurance and a health certificate, if food is being served. The participants must also participate in a training and mentoring programme, which Minister Woodside said is vital "The role of the mentor will be to guide the entrepreneurs and encourage them to develop management and business skills. Additionally, ongoing training business related workshops will be offered through the Bahamas Technical Vocational Institute and the College of The Bahamas," he said. Business professor at the College of The Bahamas Daniel Thompson said the mentoring programme will take entrepreneurs to an even higher level of success. "We’ve gotten a significant amount of 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds who are ready to take that plunge into getting something started and I think that some of the projects are very entrepreneurial and some of them came in with some really neat ways of doing things especially with the integration of technology. I think that in itself is very significant, " he said. He said to ensure that the grant would be used wisely, the Department of Youth will also be making site visits and conducting surveys to monitor the businesses. Minister Woodside said the public treasury will also monitor the funds. "The disbursement of the funds would be easily monitored but more importantly making sure that the money is going to the suppliers of the group like hardware and equipment but not in the hands of the participants themselves," he said. The minister said he does not foresee an increase on the amount of funds in the government’s upcoming budget but said it is hoped that the programme will expand. "This is a model programme that we will seek to improve as we go along," he said. "We believe that this is a great opportunity for young people to become successful entrepreneurs and own their own businesses. It’s really left to you, your initiative and your hard work to make the success of your business." [The Bahama Journal] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** MALDIVES “Fighting The Mafia” over drugs Male, 7 May - GENDER Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi on Wednesday called for tough action on the supply side of the drugs problem which affects an estimated 30 per cent of the country’s young people. Speaking at a workshop to launch the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) for the prevention of substance abuse in Maldives, Aishath said the country was “fighting with the mafia” and “the criminal business”. But she welcomed the closer involvement of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in efforts to cut the supply of illegal narcotics to the Maldives. Regional Director of CYP Asia Centre Mr. Raj K. Mishra stressed the need for involving young people in planning and implementing programmes to combat the drugs epidemic, which sees Maldives particularly affected by heroin addiction. The youth ambassadors scheme will train young people – including Maldivians – to become representatives and receive “support and patronage” from the Commonwealth to promote key messages among their peers. Wednesday’s workshop, which will be followed by a series of seminars over several days, was organised by the CYP Asia Centre, the Maldives’ Ministry of Youth and Sports and the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC). Despite running joint programmes in other countries on HIV/AIDS and drugs, Mishra said a separate workshop was held on the drugs problem in the Maldives to reflect the country’s need. Mishra added the youth ambassadors should wear their “badge of honour” and take up the gauntlet of halting the spread of the HIV virus and substance abuse in their respective countries. Meanwhile, also in partnership with the UNODC, the Maldives’ National Narcotics Control Board has begun training programmes at the Maldives’ two drug rehabilitation centres, in Addu and Himmafushi. The training deals with drug abuse prevention and risks related to drug abuse, such as overdoses, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. It is the first training of its kind received by all members of staff at the two rehabilitation centres. Drug demand reduction officer Kunal Kishore, of the UNODC, said the programme was at an “initial stage” but that “nothing on this scale has happened before”. The first national drugs campaign – known as “Wake up” – was launched in December last year, and aims to increase awareness through media and advocacy work. But the UN’s Laura Fragiacomo, whilst emphasising the achievements of “Wake Up”, identified the challenge of “moving beyond the media campaign”. Whilst commending efforts to help drug abusers, minister for gender and families Aishath Mohamed Didi said: “Unless the supply issue is addressed, all of this will be in vain.” Speaking of a street attack on Monday night, which severely injured two, she said the incident was an example of how “unsafe our islands have become”. “We are fighting with the mafia, we are fighting with the criminal business […] And through their business they are using vulnerable young people,” she said. Speaking to Minivan News, Aishath emphasised the importance of “checks and balances” as there were “people blinded by money”. But she welcomed the help of the UNODC, which she said was committed to help the “legal enforcement of drugs [supply]” and would be coordinating with the police and coastguard from June. Kishore from the UNODC told Minivan News the agency will bring a second member of staff to support work on the supply side. “If the supply is still high we can’t hope to have a real impact,” said Fragiacomo, with Aishath saying the UNODC’s involvement should help boost efforts to cut supply. In 2006, a parliamentary motion to create a committee to investigate the drugs trade was defeated by the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP). A supply reduction committee is currently chaired by home minister Abdullah Kamaldeen. Opposition politicians have previously spoken out against the problem of drug imports, with former attorney general Hassan Saeed saying government were “close to” people in the trade. The NNCB estimates the value of the country’s illegal narcotics trade at over US $50 million per year. [Minivan News] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Youths urged to be proactive Bandar Seri Begawan, 4 May - THE Youths should focus their activities more towards community involvement, treating it as a venue where they can bring forth ideas that can benefit the community as a whole. "The opportunity for youths to present their ideas is wide open," said Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain during the Representatives of Brunei Youth Council General Congress held at the Islamic Dakwah Centre yesterday. Community divisional groupings such as the Village and Mukim Consultative Councils and the Neighbourhood Watch are some of the programmes where youths can channel their ideas for the common goals. The minister shared with the audience the history of the Brunei Youth Council, evidence of its dedication in facing past challenges, the need for youths to involve themselves in their communities and the Brunei Vision 2035. In 1959, a group of young Bruneians came together to-form an association named 'Majlis Pemuda Pemudi Brunei' (Brunei Young Councils). In 1964, under a new leadership, it was renamed to Wallis Belia-Belia Negeri Brunei' (Nation of Brunei Youth Council). A year later, it was renamed as 'Majlis Belia Brunei' (MBB) or Brunei Youth Council. Fourty-eight years have passed and MBB is a strong entity (under a constellation of youth and welfare associations in Brunei Darussalarn ) in organising efforts towards achieving the well-being of the economic, academic, social, religious, cultural and other activities that would lead to the collective goals of the nation. The Representatives of Brunei Youth Council General Congress is the voice for our youths, with a good track record of effectively contributing towards the shared objectives of peace and prosperity. "The good record is due largely to its leadership that gives strong support to the assemblage of the nation's youth and welfare associations, those that were well brought-up, taught and tested within the catchment of societal circumstances in a country that holds on to the common creed of courtesy, honesty, humility, kindness and compassion prescribed in the Malay culture and the high moral values taught by the Islamic faith, as well as the loyalty to the king," the minister said. The minister also spoke of the recent 'With the Minister Ceremony' organised by the National Youth Congress on April 3. "The youths need to understand that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports organised the 'With the Minister Ceremony' as a way to urge youths to empower themselves. This can be seen from the theme 'Empowering Youth: Our Voice, Our Future,'" the minister added. The minister also urged youths to take the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a good example in empowering ourselves. The first characteristic is Siddiq, which means truthful to our words. Second comes honesty; third is tabligh - which means giving out the rights and truth which requires skill, experience and wisdom as well as tawakal (to accept whatever the outcome), and the fourth fatanah - which means being clever and ingenious, possessing mental agility which requires physical fitness and mental health as well as a far-reaching outlook. The opportunities for youth to let their ideas be heard are wide open, through involving oneself in community groupings. "In a village there is the Village Consultative Council and there is also the Neighborhood Watch Programme. In a mukim, there is the Mukim Consultative Council. At schools there is the Parent Association. At mosques, there is the Takmir Masj id Committee. So, involve yourself in society, contributing your ideas through appropriate channels to the benefit of our nation," the minister said. In term of directions, the country has the 'Brunei Vision 2035,' where people can join forces to realise this vision according to their abilities, he added. To achieve the 'Brunei Vision 2035,' the minister said the education strategy must have elements that can prepare youths in the increasingly competitive world. In our economic strategy, it must have elements that will create new jobs and expand business opportunities in the country through investments, foreign and domestic, in industry and economic clusters other than the oil and gas. The security strategy should preserve the political stability and sovereignty of the nation and to tie our defence capability with diplomatic skills and in the nation's preparedness in facing eventualities of disease outbreaks and natural disasters. In institutional development strategy, it must contain an element that will raise the quality of our governance. In the local business development strategy, it must contain an element that can increase opportunities for SMEs that ease the way for the Malays to lead the premises through competitive strength. In the infrastructural development strategy, it must have the element that will ensure continuous investment by government and through public-private partnership, developing world class infrastructure by prioritising on education, health and industries. In social security strategy, it must contain an element that ensures the country continuously enjoys harmony, and each citizen will receive suitable attention. In terms of environment strategy, it must contain an element that will ensure preservation of nature and our culture. The minister later urged the youths not to he left in the backseat, but to join actively and proactively with others to realise the common goal, the 'Brunei Vision 2035.' [Bru Direct] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** KAZAKHSTAN Youth policy council under Kazakh president to be created Astana, 14 May - A Council for Youth Policy under the country’s President will function in Kazakhstan. Head of the State Nursultan Nazarbayev has made it public at the 1st congress of “Zhas Otan” youth wing, Kazinform reports.“I took a decision on creation of a special Council for Youth Policy under the President of the country,” N. Nazarbayev said. According to the President, the Council will coordinate youth policy, work with the Executive Committee, analyze situation in youth sphere and elaborate practical recommendations. N. Nazarbayev charged his Administration to take necessary measures on establishment of the Council and added that “Nur Otan” People’s Democratic Party will determine special funds for realization of the practical management tasks in the organization. [Kazinform] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** PHILIPPINES Deadline set for youth parliament applicants Iloilo City, 29 May - YOUTH leaders who are interested to participate in the 7th National Youth Parliament (NYP) set on October 19 to 22, 2008 have until June 30 to submit their applications, said the National Youth Commission (NYC). This year, the NYP will be held in Davao City with the theme "Unity in Diversity: An Intercultural and Interfaith Parliament." "The NYP aims to empower the youth in effectively advocating, lobbying and influencing policy makers in creating a policy environment supportive of total development of the young people," said NYC Chairperson Richard Alvin Nalupta in a press report. The NYC is mandated by Republic Act 8044 to convene the NYP every two years to serve as a venue for policy discussions to formulate resolutions that will be presented to the NYC, and later on be advocated to policy makers. To qualify for the 7th NYP, applicants must be Filipino citizen, between 15 to 30 years old and residing, studying or working at the place/institution for not less than six months. Also, applicants must be a president/officer of a youth organization (school, community, civic, religious, professional, tribal, etc.); must not be a member of any previous National Youth Parliament; must be an SK Provincial/City Federation President, if representing the SK; and must not have been convicted of any crime. Delegates will be asked to prepare and submit their organization' s chosen position paper or study in one of the following topics: Youth Values and Good Citizenship, Youth Community Involvement/ Engagement, Youth Participation in Governance, Violence in Youth Organizations, Youth Lifestyles, Peace building, and Specific Youth Groups (Juvenile Justice and substance abuse). Successful applicants' food and accommodation during the four-day gathering will be shouldered by the NYC. Those who are interested can send their applications to the National Youth Commission Secretariat. [Philippine Information Agency] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** TAIWAN Group mulls ways to keep youth from web’s dark side Taipei, 30 May - CITING examples from other countries, representatives of youth and child protection organizations suggested yesterday that monitoring online activity, rather than Web site content, may be more effective in protecting youth from accessing inappropriate online information. “The Children and Juveniles Welfare Law puts the emphasis on not feeding inappropriate information to children and young adults via the Internet — but this approach has not been very effective,” Lee Li-fen, secretary-general of the Taiwan chapter of End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism, told a forum on Internet safety for children and juveniles in Taipei. The manner in which Internet content is monitored contains many loopholes, Lee said. First of all, it depends on a Web site operator’s voluntary cooperation in rating a Web site. The operator has to fill out an online form that describes the content of the Web site, whereupon the Taiwan Internet Content Rating Promotion Foundation rates the site. Even if a Web site is judged inappropriate for children and young adults, there remain many ways to access it. “Several countries monitor both content and online activity,” Lee said. In South Korea, the Internet 119 organization identifies Web sites with inappropriate content and reports them to the National Youth Commission. “When a Web site is considered unsuitable for children, those who want to access it can only do so after entering their national ID number,” Lee said. In Germany, the process of approval to access Web sites with restricted material is even stricter. “First, you have to go through a face-to-face application process so that your age can be ascertained,” Lee said. “Once your age has been verified, you are given an ID chip.” Upon trying to access a site with restricted access, the ID chip holder must put the card into a card reader connected to the computer. Then, he or she has to pass a second phase of identity checks with his or her own credit card. Aside from such mechanisms, public education is also very important, said Su Pei-yi, a graduate student at National Chengchi University’s department of journalism. “The Internet rating and filtering systems we have now require parent’s collaboration — but are our parents Internet-savvy enough to discuss the issue with their children?” she said, adding that no matter what measures are taken, the people need to know they exist for them to be meaningful. [Taipei Times] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** SAINT KITTS & NEVIS Youth discuss issues with Caricom commission Newtown, 22 May - NINE young people from several youth organisations and representatives of the Caricom Commission on Youth Development on Tuesday gathered at the Newtown Community Centre for an interactive conversation forum. A nearly two-hour face to face session saw an exchange of ideas and opinion from the young attendees, in response to questions from the youth development workers. Sherwin Bridgewater of the Caricom Secretariat, based in Guyana, assured the youth that their views will be carried to the Caricom Commission and would be used as a framework for future policies and measures. Barbados' Director of Youth Hally Haynes said the discussions were interesting and thought provoking. He said young people have solutions and they have identified a number of them during the session. Hally remarked that the objective of the group is to get to young people to highlight the issues that are affecting them. Commenting on the concerns raised by the young people, Haynes noted that mobilisation, access to fund for community projects and training opportunities for employment are some of the key concerns identified. He mentioned an “interesting” view of one participant who said the private sector can play a part by initiating “incentives” and scholarship to encourage the development of young people. The youth director said the youth spoke about the support of the Youth Department noting that there is a lack of man power and youngsters acknowledged that there is need for more “people power” to effectively assist them. Haynes said on the next visit, the group will go out into the communities to hear the views of the “boys on the block” and other marginalise groups. Hally stressed that the voices of a wide cross section of young people must be heard, if they are to be well represented, noting that this is a view shared by the prime minister of Barbados. One participant Alternate Caricom Youth Ambassador and a second year student from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), Kileon John said he hopes the views and opinions of the group will be effectively used in the respective Caricom bodies. John outlined that young people in the Federation do have ideas and opinions and questioned whether or not voices are being heard. Another member on the Caricom Commission on Youth Development was Melvin W. J. Bouva (Republic of Suriname). [Sun St.Kitts/Nevis] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** AUSTRALIA Youth homelessness won’t be solved by the market Canberra, 3 May - “AUSTRALIA’s Homeless Youth”, a report by the National Youth Commission, reveals the reality behind reports of Australia’s economic prosperity. The report, released in early April, revealed that 36,000 people under 25, including 22,000 teenagers, are homeless on any given night. This figure is more than double that of 1989 when the last youth homelessness report was released. One in two of all youths seeking emergency shelter will be turned away — the result of under funding. Almost 50% of homeless youth reported they were seeking accommodation due to a relationship breakdown with parents or step-parents, while 32% stated financial difficulties as the cause of their homelessness. The report also stated that physical and sexual abuse was a significant factor, with David Eldridge of the Salvation Army stating, “It is not just happening in Indigenous communities”. One of the report’s authors, David Mackenzie, stated that “unless a major national effort was undertaken, youth homelessness will continue to rise, due to soaring rent prices and the lack of affordable housing and low youth wages”. The report stated that youth homelessness needed to be given greater political priority by the federal government. It also set out a ten-point plan to help eliminate youth homelessness by 2030. This included: billions of dollars allocated to public housing; an extra $1 billion for homeless shelters over the next 10 years and a national review of welfare services in schools. With an increase in funding and a commitment to reduce youth homelessness, the problem could be solved, the report noted. The April 8 Sydney Morning Herald reported, “In the past five years, effective early intervention programs have reduced youth homelessness from 26,000 in 2001, but the programs reach only a third of the young people who need them”. The federal housing minister Tanya Plibersek has described the situation as a “national tragedy”, and said the problem is due to “failures of both sides of politics”. PM Kevin Rudd has stated that the number of homeless in Australia is “unacceptable” , but his government has, so far, failed to deal with the problem. Its plans include building 600 extra houses for homeless people over the next five years, and it has commissioned its first “white paper on homelessness” with a focus on “how to invest in compassionate, market-based solutions which deal with this important social policy challenge”. However “market based solutions” won’t fix the problem as it is the market that has caused the housing and rental affordability crisis, and that continues to ensure that youth wages remain low. Real and immediate ways to start to solve the homeless crisis would be to massively increase the public funding of services and accommodation for homeless people. There’s a need for urgent and ongoing investment in public housing, rather than prioritising private housing development. The minimum wage should also be increased immediately and the “youth wage”, which ensures young people get paid less for the same amount of work, should be abolished. In addition, youth homelessness would be significantly reduced by increasing accessibility to and the rate of the federal Youth Allowance and Newstart programs. Instead, the Rudd government thinks the biggest issue facing young people is how much alcohol we drink! Young people, so marginalised from political life in this country, have to organise and unite to ensure our voice is heard on this and many other problems that disenfranchise us. [Green Left Weekly] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** NEPAL UML youths demand youth ministry Kathmandu, 8 May - THE Youth wing of the CPN-UML, Democratic National Youth Association (DNYS), is due to submit a 12-point memorandum to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Speaker Subash Nemwang including the demand for the establishment of a youth ministry with all the authority and resources. In the memorandum, the UML youth wing has put forth its demands including the provision of employment or unemployed allowances, voting rights for the youths who reached 16 years of age, guarantee of youth participation in the state organs, establishment of National Youth Commission and National Youth Counsel, and constitutional guarantee for education, health and employment, among others, DNYS chairman Ajamber Kanbang Rai said. According to the chairman Rai, the memorandum will be presented to Speaker Nemwang and PM Koirala this afternoon. [Kantipur Online] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** ZAMBIA Youths told to sit up Lusaka, 29 May - YOUTH and Child Development Minister, Gabriel Namulambe, has urged youths to take matters of youth empowerment seriously or risk being sidelined from national development programmes. Mr. Namulambe said youths should identify and address issues that affect them instead of continued dependance on the government. He said his Ministry will only work with young people who are committed to the cause of youth empowerment and national development. Mr. Namulambe said this when he officiated at the National Plan of Action for the revised youth policy workshop in Lusaka. [ZNBC] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** YEMEN Yemeni youth ambassador provides a voice for the region’s youngsters Sanaa, 7 May - NINETEEN-year- old Abdullah Al-Thawr has the honor of being Yemen’s – and the world’s – first youth ambassador for the Middle East Youth Initiative (MEYI), a youth policy development think tank sponsored by the Dubai School of Government and the Wolfensohn Center for Development at the Brookings Institution, a Washington D.C.-based independent research and policy organization. Last year, Al-Thawr won an international essay competition co-organized by the World Bank for a piece he wrote about corruption in Yemen. MEYI caught word of him through this and made him their very first “youth ambassador” for the region. “He [Al-Thawr] was requested to apply based on his critical thinking around development issues. He was further identified by his commitment to youth development and proactive participation through his involvement with civil society,” said Samantha Constant, communications specialist at the Wolfensohn Center for Development, which helps run MEYI. MEYI’s program, which began in early 2006, has an ambitious goal to change regional government policies in an effort to reintegrate anoften-frustrated youthful population and help ease the transition between education, employment and marriage. However, at this stage, the organization simply is attempting to better understand the needs of Middle Eastern youths through ambassadors like Al-Thawr, who blogs about several focus sections MEYI has singled out as the main challenges facing today’s Middle Eastern youth: education, employment, marriage and family formation, civic participation, housing and credit. Although MEYI still is determining how best to use these youth ambassadors, the group is hopeful that in time, these young leaders will help change policies and make a difference. So far, only four youths have been selected from the Arab nations, staying in touch with each other via new media such as social networking sites and regional conferences. “All [youth ambassadors] are active in promoting youth leadership among their peers, as well as being involved in development through various sectors. MEYI provides a platform for youths to share their local/youth perspectives and personal experiences around our focus areas of analysis. Such insights then may be channeled into our policy documents,” Constant says. Although poor education, unemployment, difficulties getting married, lack of civic participation and lack of financial credit are all. The Youth Ambassadors connect via new media such as social networking sites and many meet during participation in conferences organized by the many initiatives targeting youth in the region serious problems, Al-Thawr believes that Yemen’s core problem is education. “Public school graduates can’t adapt to the work environment,” he observes, adding that this prevents people from obtaining work, leaving them unemployed and without any future prospects. “Education and employment are directly linked,” Constant agreed, “We focus on addressing the outcomes of increased education attainment – a niche that requires greater attention – because despite attaining higher education, students are graduating with limited job prospects due to skills mismatch in the market.” The general unemployment rate in the Middle East region is one of the world’s highest, hovering around 15 percent. Brookings Institution studies show that youth unemployment in the Middle East is even higher – around 25 percent. Yemen’s unemployment rate is approximately 35 percent (est. 2003), according to the latest available figures. Also a youth programs officer at the Democracy School in Sana’a, Al-Thawr has attempted to acquire knowledge and skills that will enable him to continue reflecting his generation’s issues. Besides his blog, which features posts pointing out specific flaws in Yemeni education, such as poor teaching methods in public schools, Al-Thawr also visits rural areas and encourages debates that highlight young Yemenis’ attitudes toward their future. “We should focus on youth, who already are depressed and feel that they have no potential to do anything. It’s a problem because they don’t feel motivated to learn new things,” he says, adding, “Youth aren’t babies, so you don’t have to spoon-feed them knowledge because they also should look for things themselves.” MEYI plans to send researchers to Yemen to conduct field studies to prepare its later strategies; however, this portion of the program has stalled due to the current security situation in Yemen. “While we are expanding our network,” Constant points out, “to date, we’ve consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including ministers and top officials in the region, policymakers, civil society, international and regional organizations, academic institutions, the private sector and of course, youth, all while developing our work agenda.” Although this process of including Yemeni youth will take years to implement, Al-Thawr is optimistic that there’s still time for young Yemenis – who make up half of the population – to improve their lives. “The problems of Yemeni youths are similar to those among Arab youths. Many Arab governments could fix certain problems, such as the quality of education and empowering their youths to participate,” Al-Thawr notes, “Yemeni youths can face these challenges if their voices are heard and if their needs and demands are clarified within government plans and strategies.” He adds that although the Yemeni government showed an interest in its young folks by launching the 2006 National Youth Strategy, he thinks it’s “complicated and confusing and focuses mainly on reproductive health issues.” “Many of this integrated youth policy’s critical parts have yet to be implemented due to lack of investment and capacity,” MEYI director Navtej Dhillon says, “Thus, one area that the Middle East Youth Initiative is promoting is a regional platform for countries to share experiences and resources.” He adds that it’s a well-known fact that investing in youth is critical in order to increase future prosperity in Yemen and the Middle East at large. So, what are MEYI’s specific solutions to help the region prosper? Constant notes that education recommendations include improving university admission policies by adding more writing and critical skills testing rather than standard examinations based on memorization. MEYI’s employment recommendations focus on improving government hiring practices by requiring previous work experience in the private sector and insisting on skills such as the ability to write well. However, problems in the Middle East do not remain static; they are constantly shifting and transforming. “While the region is highly politicized and ever-changing, demographic trends – as shown by the youth bulge – are long-term,” Constant says. Because youth-related policy reform will require time, MEYI’s approach will need strong youth involvement and participation; thus, Al-Thawr’s role as ambassador is only the first step. [Yemen Times] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** BOTSWANA Unemployed graduates file 260 applications to DPSM Gaborone, 15 May - ALREADY, 260 applications have been submitted through the newly established Unemployed Graduates Registration (UGR) database at the Directorate of Public Service Management, according to public relations officer, Matlapeng Kgotlele. Graduates are required to fill in forms and email them to the DPSM at graduatesdb- dpsm@gov. bw. "We will continue to advertise vacancies while also considering those who have applied through the database," said Kgotlele. The Department of Culture and Youth [DCY] has invited youth-owned companies to register with the department as it prepares to implement initiatives recently announced by President Ian Khama. Khama recently announced a procurement programme to empower local catering companies, artists and crafts people. Responding to the recent directive from the Office of the President calling for support for small scale caterers and vendors to operate in public buildings and offices, the department issued a press release inviting youths in the catering business to register their companies. The release said the youth should register with their district offices. Also invited to register with the department, according to the release, are individuals and companies that trade in decorations, landscaping, arts and crafts. "These individuals should be citizens and their companies should be 100 percent citizen-owned, " reads the release, adding that the purpose of this exercise, which ends 23 May, is to prepare the youth to render such services where they are needed. Acting Principal Youth Officer DCY, Lesang Leloba said they are going to generate a catalogue of youth companies registered with them and "submit it to the different ministries and parastatals so that they can be considered when their services are needed". He said the exercise includes all young people who fall within the age bracket of 12 and 29 years which is spelled out in the 1976 National Youth Policy (NYP) "and those who benefited from the grant scheme are also included". Commenting on another directive which calls for ministries to engage youth graduates on attachments, Leloba said at DCY they have long started the exercise after the former president, Festus Mogae, announced in his state of the nation address that government should reduce the level of experience required "so that youths can have the opportunity to apply". Leloba, however, said the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), as the employer in the public service, has created an unemployed graduate registration (UGR) database to assist in the supply of forms for youths to fill in their details. He said these directives show the commitment of government to the empowerment of young people who should register in large numbers so that they can benefit. Leloba also encouraged young people to register companies to tap into the opportunities available to them. Kgotlele says the UGR system was created to allow unemployed graduates to register using the form provided in the database. The application form, according to Kgotlele, has all the details which are needed when someone is applying for a job and space to submit their curriculum vitae. He said the purpose of this exercise is to provide government with reliable information for decision-making and recruitment. [Mmegi] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** MALAYSIA Melaka begins delivering aids to the victims in Myanmar and China Melaka, 23 May - MELAKA State Government in collaboration with the World Assembly of Youth, DMDI and other NGOs in the state, have initiated a committee for raising funds and collecting vital items for the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and Sichuan earthquake victims in China. This morning, during the ceremony of the relief aid, Melaka Chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam initiated and handed over to the Malaysian Red Crescent, several thousand of blankets, jerry-cans, bottled water, medications and food, which will be delivered to the victims. Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said that ‘the Melaka state has raised RM497,051 out of the targeted RM1million” “I am confident that we will be able to hit the target by the end of this month” he added. Present at the ceremony was the Myanmar Embassy’s first secretary Mr. Tin Zaw, where he described Malaysians as one of the most helpful people as both government and non-government organisations had come forward to assist. ‘We are seeking and welcome international aid as besides aid relief operations, there are some areas that were so badly affected that they require resettlement” he added. Furthermore, a team of 12 officers (Doctors, Nurses and volunteers), will be stationed in Yangon for two weeks to help out the Myanmar Red Cross in the administration of relief operations before they are replaced by another team. [WAY] ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** THIS news bulletin is a service of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY).
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