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: Jamaica, Nigeria, United Kingdom, Swaziland, Australia, Ghana, Namibia, United Nations, Denmark, Canada, Taiwan, Finland, Kenya, Saint Kitts & Nevis, China, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Grenada, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka

JAMAICA : Positive response to special youth employment & training project ; Renewed call for youth mainstreaming

NIGERIA : KNSG commits 300 to youth empowerment ; LG empowers 2000 women, youths in Jigawa    

UNITED KINGDOM : Drink and drugs exposure is 'health risk for youth' ; Tees initiative Just 4 Youth set for top showcase

SWAZILAND : Mr, Miss SD record duet

AUSTRALIA : Mental illness ravaging nation's youth

GHANA : Hope for the youth ; Maiden edition of Ghana Youth Awards opens in Accra

NAMIBIA : Youth Bill finally sees light of day

UNITED NATIONS : Happy Birthday United Nations!

DENMARK : Read Donald Duck!

CANADA : Turn down personal music players, EU warns youth

TAIWAN : Two Taiwanese win awards with essays at APEC event about water

FINLAND : Ahtisaari wants to tackle youth unemployment next

KENYA : Youths urged to embrace commercial farming

TANNZANIA : Multiple concurrent partnerships make HIV/Aids fight a quagmire

SAINT KITTS & NEVIS : National Youth Congress

CHINA :  7th Asia-Europe People's Forum ; ASEAN set to promote young entrepreneurs collaboration

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM : Youth Development Centre holds Customer Day

FIJI : Youth group wants action on child sex ; Youth leaders spread gospel

GRENADA : Successful panel discussion held by Ministry of Youth Empowerment

PAKISTAN : Population Ministry arranges seminar for youth   

KYRGYZSTAN : First White Book on Youth Policy issued

AZERBAIJAN : President of Azerbaijan: "The youth policy has been successfully conducted in Azerbaijan"

SRI LANKA : National Youth award programme

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JAMAICA

Positive response to special youth employment & training project

Kingston, Oct. 25 - CORPORATE Jamaica has welcomed the Government's recently introduced Special Youth Employment and Training (SYEAT) Project, which is aimed at helping to reduce unemployment among that cohort, as well as improve the country's productivity.

The Project, which was launched on Wednesday, (October 22) by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, will see several companies joining forces with the HEART Trust/NTA and the Jamaica Foundation for Life Long Learning (JFLL), in providing on-the-job training to 10,000 youths over a four year period.

According to the representative for the participating employers, Mary Dick, Training Officer at the Gleaner Company, corporate Jamaica is pleased to be associated with the SYEAT project.

"On behalf of corporate Jamaica I wish to laud the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for having collaborated with the HEART Trust and the JFLL to establish this project. Corporate Jamaica is very grateful for this opportunity to partner with the Ministry and the associates, in the development of our future through the youths of the nation," she stated.

Mrs. Dick pointed out that the employers and youths will benefit immensely from a project of this nature.

"This project as I see it will be mutually beneficial to all the employers who have decided to participate and also to the young people of this nation. The employers will benefit from the energy that the youths will exude and they will benefit from having new blood at all times in the organisation," she stated.

The youngsters, she said, will benefit from being given an opportunity to learn work ethics and earn an income. "These youths as we see will be empowered, because these are persons who we would consider to be vulnerable to the vicissitudes of life. And we want them to achieve and keep their dreams alive," Mrs. Dick stressed.

In the meantime, the beneficiaries have commended the Government for providing them with the opportunity.

"Thanks to the Government and the organisations that have come together to formulate this programme to assist us. There are persons in this group who did not think that they would get a decent job, who did not think it was possible for them to go back to school, for example, those of us who, unfortunately, are young mothers and young men who needed the extra push towards success in life.

Words are not enough to express our gratitude," Latonia Johnson, a beneficiary of the SYEAT Project noted.

Approximately 25 companies are now participating in the SYEAT project, which will provide on the job training for 2,500 youths per year over a four year period. Already, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has recruited and placed 800 participants in organisations.

The HEART Trust NTA has responsibility for the initial screening and assessment, as well as the monitoring and assessment of trainees on the job. In addition, HEART will provide skills training and certification in at least one area in commercial and technical skills.

The JFLL will have responsibility for training in the basic literacy and numeracy skills. Under the project, the ministry will enlist the assistance of employers in corporate entities as partners, to facilitate the engagement of at least two trainees in an apprenticeship arrangement.

[Jamaica Information Service]

Renewed call for youth mainstreaming
 

Kingston, Oct. 26 - THERE have been fresh calls for automatic, broad-based support for youth mainstreaming. The latest call has come from Director of Youth Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr. Fatiha Serour.

Youth mainstreaming is defined by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as the process of assessing the implications for young persons, of any planned action, including legislation, policies, programmes and projects, in all areas and at all levels.

"Everyone in Government, academia or any other institution need to understand, accept, internalise and promote youth mainstreaming as a matter of fact and almost as second nature," said Dr. Serour, at a recent lecture, sponsored by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, through the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD).

Jamaica recommitted itself to youth mainstreaming as the key strategy of the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment, when Prime Minister Bruce Golding endorsed the plan at the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda.

The Plan of Action has, as its chief strategy, the mainstreaming of youth development, which coincides with the goals of the National Youth Policy of 2004 and in particular, its participation and empowerment mandate.

"As such, it is vital that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that youth mainstreaming becomes widely accepted in both the Government and the non-governmental sectors in Jamaica," Information Specialist at the NCYD, Dania Beckford, tells JIS News.

"The Commonwealth Youth Lecture acts as a public forum for the discussion of youth being mainstreamed, at a time when the empowerment of Jamaican youth is critical to the overall development of the nation," she explains.

Dr. Serour says that youth mainstreaming is a strategy for making the concerns and experiences of young persons an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes, in all political, economic and social spheres, so that they benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated.

She points out that youth mainstreaming is not an end in itself, but a two-fold strategy which ensures that "a youth perspective is integrated in policy formulation, project design and management, and there are specific policies and initiatives aimed at closing the gap in specific areas of youth empowerment."

Dr. Serour asserts that any organisation that has been through the process of mainstreaming of youth, will find that it is about a deeper transformation, one that makes young people central in its work. She also notes that the organisation "will recognise that young people are not just an add-on to programmes and social interventions. Young people become integral to the process of finding solutions and become part of the implementation of these solutions."

Making a case for youth mainstreaming, the Director paints a grim picture of the future, which young persons will have to face, noting that over 60 per cent of the population of the Commonwealth is under 30 years old. "They are inheritors of a changing world, including climate change, environmental degradation, less resources for more people, increasing conflicts in numbers and magnitude, and recurring natural disasters," she points out.

Dr. Serour cites facts, which indicate that young people in many parts of the Commonwealth are denied the right to human development; and poverty assessments, which indicate that "many poor groups define themselves as not just income poor, but also education, literacy and skills poor."

The grim statistics are that about 30 million Commonwealth children are out of primary education, some 130 million Commonwealth youth are illiterate, and approximately 40 million adolescents are out of secondary education as a result of political, social or economic instability and or strife.

Other compelling arguments for youth mainstreaming are that opportunities for economic empowerment is lacking, 50 per cent of the world's unemployed are 15 to 24 years, and in many economies, young people are more than three times as likely to be unemployed as older adults.

In addition, millions are said to be trapped in temporary, involuntary part-time or casual work in the informal sector, that offers few benefits and limited prospects for advancement. Some 209 million young people are living on less than US$1.00 per day, and about 515 million live on less than US$2.00 per day.

It is also felt that peace and human security is an illusive dream for the millions of Commonwealth youth that live under conflicts. "Our societies are suffering from a malaise, whereby we victimise or vilify youth, instead of facing our responsibilities as adults and engaging young people in peace building processes," Dr. Serour points out.

Jamaica, like other Commonwealth countries, has a National Youth Policy with a vision of "Jamaican Youth realising their full potential, through access to opportunities, to develop, participate and contribute as responsible citizens, to a peaceful, prosperous and caring society."

The National Youth Service (NYS), which falls under the NCYD, targets an estimated 148,000 'unattached' youths and trains 6,000. Of that number, 3,600 or 60 per cent manage to find employment afterwards. Training and employment projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, also target young persons.

[Jamaica Information Service]

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NIGERIA

KNSG commits 300 to youth empowerment

Abuja, Oct. 27 -  KANO state government has spent over N300 million in the purchase of equipments for youth empowerment programmes.

The Director General Kano state Youths Development Direc-torate, Malam Gambo Ado stated this during the distribution exercise of a set of computer and N25, 000 each to beneficiaries of the state Youths Empowerment Progra-mmess held in Takai Women Centre.

Malam Ado urged the youths of the area to shun redundancy and street beginning in order to become self reliant in the society.

He described youths as future leaders who would handle the affairs of the nation, advising the participants, to good use of the equipments.

On his part, that chairman of Takai local government area, Alhaji Muhammad Baffa Takai who was represented by councilor social development depart-ment, Alaramma Sabo Sale thanked Kano state government and Youth Development Directorate for selecting Takai local government to be among the beneficiaries of the programmes.

Alhaji Baffa promised to continue supporting all youths empowerment programs in the local government area and further promised to provide three standby generators as donation to the beneficiaries.

Also commenting, the Takai youth council chairman, Salihu Adamu Takai expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative.    

[Daily Triumph]

LG empowers 2000 women, youths in Jigawa    

Jigawa, Oct. 27 - GWARAM Local Government Area of Jigawa State has provided employment opportunities for about 2,000 women and youths in the area, as part of its efforts to curtail unemployment among the citizens, the council chairman, Alhaji Bala Sule Kila has said.

The council boss explained that the gesture was equally part of his campaign promises to tackle the problem of unemployment bedeviling the indigenes of the area for decades, adding that the council has procured local supergettin machines and bags of flour  disbursed it free of charge to about 1,200 women in the area, aiming at making them self reliant.

Alhaji Bala Kila expressed delight that the initiative has yielded positive results as most of the benefiting women’s husbands have registered their support with the council’s efforts in making their wives productive, stressing that the trade has equally served as a peaceful way of enhancing the livelihood of the two parties as one will assist the other in the running of their home and providing other family needs.

He also added that the council has employed about 800 youths in the area to serve as casual labourers and they  are paid the sum of N5,000 each at every month end to assist them in solving some of their peculiar problems, “we are determined to create more employment opportunities to the citizens of the area, before the end of our tenure we will make sure that unemployment in Gwaram council has become a history among the populace”.

In a related development, the Buji local government council of Jigawa state in collaboration with the member of the state House of Assembly has empowered hundreds of women of the area in various trades, the council chairman, Alhaji Isah Bello Gwadayi has said.

Alhaji Isah Gwadayi explained that the women received training in the 14 existing women centres across the area and were provided with  skill on how to locally manufacture soap and detergents, towards making them self-reliant.

He noted that present government of Sule Lamido attaches much priority to the welfare of women and youth of the state as mother and leaders of tomorrow respectively.

He further commended the effort of the District head of the area who is also the Chiroma of Dutse, Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Sanusi for his effort in assisting some youths of the area who were secondary school drop outs to write their examinations through provision of NECO and JAMB forms to enable them advance their studies.

[Vanguard]

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UNITED KINGDOM

Drink and drugs exposure is 'health risk for youth'

London, Oct. 17 - EXPOSURE to drink and drugs at a young age can create a lifetime health risk, according to new research by scientists from the UK, US and New Zealand.

Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Medical Research Council, the William T Grant Foundation, the Healthy Research Council and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the report suggests that early exposure to drugs and alcohol can result in on-going health problems.Carnegie Mellon University Professor Dan Nagin, co-author of the report, said: "These findings challenge certain perceptions regarding teens and drug and alcohol use.""Early exposure to drugs and alcohol can make even a good kid veer off on a bad trajectory," he added.

The NIMH is the largest scientific organisation dedicated to understanding and treating mental health conditions and focuses on developing better interventions that incorporate patients diverse needs when dealing with mental illness.

[Craegmoor News]

Tees initiative Just 4 Youth set for top showcase

Middlesbrough, Oct. 24 - THE SUCCESS of a young people-led enterprise in Middlesbrough is to be showcased to a regional audience.

Just 4 Youth is a social enterprise company which has its roots in the work among young people by the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust.

It offers a delivery, training, research and consultancy service and young people aged 16 to 23 years are at the forefront of the company.

The work it has done will be presented to Youth Solutions 08 event at the Riverside Stadium on November 5.

It is taking place during National Youth Work Week and an audience of about 150 people is expected to attend.

People involved in youth projects, decision makers in youth justice, and officers from health, education and youth services are expected to attend from the North-east and Yorkshire and Humberside.

Fiona Blacke, chairman of the National Youth Agency, which supports those involved in young people's personal and social development and works to enable all young people to fulfil their potential, will give the keynote address.

The event will also be addressed by Alex Brookes of the Children’s Workforce Development Council.

Young people from Just 4 Youth will present case studies to show the type of work they are involved in.

The event will also include workshops, a panel discussion session, and a first screening for a video produced by Just 4 Youth about its work.

Kevin Franks, Just 4 Youth’s operations director, said the event would enable exposure of the work of Just 4 Youth to a wider audience.

“Just 4 Youth is unique because of the way young people are fully involved.

“Other organisations have young people involved but not to the extent we have in Just 4 Youth.

“The young people are excited at the prospect of taking part in the event. It is something that was their idea to promote their activities.”

Just 4 Youth has been recognised with awards and has been praised in Government reports.

Examples of the type of work it undertakes include: In the past two years it has produced a version suitable for young people of the Cleveland Policing Plan. It is working with the PCTs in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland on a smoking cessation scheme among local schoolchildren. It is working with young people who are not in employment, education, or training.

[Evening Gazette]

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SWAZILAND

Mr, Miss SD record duet

Mbabane, Oct. 24 - MISS Swaziland Tiffany Simelane has collaborated with Mr Swaziland Okwakhe Dlamini in recording a song titled 'These last days'.

The song which will soon be heard on national radio station (SBIS) is about youth empowerment.

The beauty queen said they decided to come together and record the track ahead of the Swaziland National Youth Council Awards.

"We are breaking barriers and trying to empower the youth of the country. It was our idea to come up with the track," said Simelane. Dlamini is excited as well and says the public will get to listen to the track dedicated to the youth on the radio station.

"The song is about empowering the youth during these trying times. The second verse is about orphans. Life is hard now and the youth of the country needs empowerment and the orphaned children need to be taken care of."

Miss Swaziland is known for her angelic voice as she rendered a track during the eliminations stage, showing off her beautiful voice much to the applause of the audience.

They will be doing more songs together and will embark on a project where they will assist orphaned children and perform for them.

[The Swazi Observer]

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AUSTRALIA

Mental illness ravaging nation's youth

   
Canberra, Oct. 24 - ALARMING new figures have revealed that one in four young people are battling a mental illness, with many problems triggered by drug and alcohol abuse.

The first snapshot of Australia's mental health in a decade found that Generation Y is being ravaged by depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that 26% of people aged 16 to 24 — about 650,000 people — suffered mental illnesses last year.

Anxiety problems including panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress were the most common with 15% of young people affected. Around 13% suffered conditions related to dependency on alcohol or other drugs such as sleeping pills, amphetamines and heroin. A further 7% had mood illnesses such as depression and bipolar.

The figures come after a summit of leading mental health experts last week declared a "state of emergency" in youth mental health. They said young Australians with mental disorders, many of which develop in adolescence, were at greater risk of suicide, self-harm and drug addiction because of gaps in treatment.

The new figures come from face-to-face interviews with almost 9000 Australians aged 16 to 85, using World Health Organisation diagnostic tools.

Professor Pat McGorry, head of the Orygen Research Centre and one of Australia's leading experts on youth mental health, said the figures had not improved in 10 years, suggesting a systemic failure in treatment.

He said far greater levels of family breakdown than in previous generations were causing significant emotional turmoil for young people. Parents often did not recognise that a teenage mood swing could be a sign of something more serious. And many young people suffered in silence, unaware that their distress was not normal.

"This is a national emergency, it's a huge, big public health problem," said Professor McGorry. "But I'm not sure the sense of urgency from Governments is as great as the need.

"I don't think they realise how much investment and political support is needed to address this. Without it I think we're going to see continuing deterioration. Imagine if there was increased level of heart disease or cancer but the service system was not responding to it; there would be an outcry."

Professor McGorry warned parents that the ABS figures could be an underestimate.

"These are annual prevalence figures so that's just a one-year snapshot, whereas cumulatively, by the time they get to 25, the risk is even higher.

"Everyone who's got a teenage kid must realise that they have got a one-in-three chance of developing a significant mental health problem by the age of 25," he said.

Despite the huge demand for help, more than 2 million people did not receive appropriate treatment. David Crosbie, chief executive of the Mental Health Council of Australia, found the findings "startling".

"Ten years ago around 38% of people (with mental illnesses) were getting services, now it's about 35%, so things are getting worse," he said. "Mental health is really the Cinderella of the health system — it's just not treated as seriously."

[The Age]

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GHANA

Hope for the youth

Accra, Oct 02- CONSCIOUS of the fact that the youth constitute the future leadership of the nation, the Manifesto of the incumbent New Patriotic Party has dedicated a whole chapter on them.

The introduction reads, "We are committed to concrete, concerted and comprehensive investment in young people so that they can fulfill their potential as the innovators and drivers of prosperity. We will institute wide-ranging development projects and skills training to provide more and better jobs for young people so that they can contribute productively to our economy and society”

Already under President Kufuor's administration, 1.7 million jobs have been created - within the last seven-and-a-half years. The government has also established the National Youth Employment Programme which has made jobs available for over 500 youth in every district with a total of 108,000 young men and women busily engaged in one occupation or another.

The NPP government has trained and equipped over 10,000 unemployed youth under the Skills, Training and Empoyment Programme. These are all well-devised programmes which have kept some young ones busy, while earning some incomes to improve their standards of living.

It's funny and shameful that the leadership of the opposition National Democratic Congress is going about campaigning for their return to power. It is the same NDC and its antecedent Provisional National Defence Council that have destroyed hundreds of Ghanaian industries, thereby leaving millions of Ghanaians jobless.

How are they going to create the jobs for the youth when they are pre-occupied by malice and vendetta? From all indications the top notches of the NDC are craving for power in order to “punish their perceived enemies.” And so God will not let that happen.

Against the background of the NPP’s track record of achievements, the party’s Presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo and his team of experts have outlined a comprehensive policy framework for the youth. It aims at raising their social status.

Under the policy, a National Youth Commission is to be established to replace the National Youth Council. The Commission will be a youth policy implementing agency with an executive secretary established by an act of parliament.

According to the Manifesto, the policy framework would be called LEAP-FROG. Leadership: This is going to be taught at school as a basic course from primary to tertiary level.

Entrepreneurship will also be taught to ensure that those who are trained have enterprises for a living.

Attitudes: Generally, the attitude of Ghanaians towards reading has drastically changed. Apart from reading, the real spirit of patriotism is lacking and that also accounts for the upsurge of social vices among some of the young ones. A government of Nana Akufo-Addo has promised to re-instill the habit of reading and critical thinking.

Fathering: The next NPP administration aims at establishing mentoring and parenting schemes to make the youth responsible and respectful.

Reproductive and sexual health: This will also be taught at school. In this connection, “educational curricula will provide information on this subject.”

Outdoor activities: Defunct youth homes, according to the NPP Manifesto, to serve as safe havens would be revived for the youth.

Greening: Under this policy, clean-ups and tree planting exercises would be instituted and recycling improved.

Some other visions of a Nana Addo-led government include the creation of an estimated one million jobs in the first two years through the party’s transformation agenda; expansion of the National Youth Employment Programme to cover over 500,000 in four years across numerous new areas; ensuring that  substantial new jobs are generated in the steel, aluminum, cement, petro-chemical and oil industries.

Unlike the NDC which is only out to incite one tribe against another through its founder ex-President Jerry John Rawlings, the NPP with its Presidential hopeful, is sending messages of hope to the youth of Ghana in particular, and the entire population in general.

It is incumbent on every right-thinking citizen of this country to do a careful analysis of the track records of achievements of the NDC and the NPP, as well as their individual party programmes and make an informed choice on December 7.

It is a choice between progress ( NPP’s “…moving forward”) and retrogression (NDC’s “…sankofa”)

Nana Addo has concrete programmes to move this nation out of its 'Third World’ (developing) to a ‘First World’ (developed) status in the near future. Indeed, there is a great hope for the youth.

[The Statesman]

Maiden edition of Ghana Youth Awards opens in Accra

Accra, Oct. 09- THE Chairman of the Board of Governors and the Vice Patron of the Country Awards Council - Ghana (CACG), His Awardship Major Courage E. K. Quashigah (Rtd.) has said that, the Youth are a major might at the forefront of economic, political and socio – cultural development worldwide. Additionally, their intellectual perspectives and future of societies are key determinants of the progress and national development.

In view of this, their principal role in nation building cannot be underestimated and in recognition of these efforts espoused by the youth, Ghana Youth Awards has been designed to celebrate, recognise and honour our youthful achievers the Minister emphasized.

The Health Minister has also cautioned the youth to practice healthy lifestyle in order to attain greater heights.

The Country Director of the CACG, His Awardship Kobla Asamani also underscored that Ghana Youth Awards is one of the many Awards under the Ghana National Honorary Awards of Fame, an Agency of the Country Awards Council - Ghana.

He said Ghana Youth Awards cut across all spheres of our national developmental agenda and listed the categories as Youth Rights, Youth in Law, Health, Music, Art and Culture. Others include Youth Creativity, Youth in Advocacy, ICT, National Service, Mentoring and Community Development. The rest are Youth in Research, Entrepreneurship, Volunteerism, Environmental Activities and Leadership.

The Country Director of CACG added that the maiden edition of the Ghana Youth Awards will be held in December this year and is under the auspices of the National Youth Council.

The Awards Council therefore invites all youthful achievers to pick up their application form at any National Youth Council and GBC Offices across the Country, the International Press Centre and some Radio Stations in Accra.

Closing date for submission of application form is Wednesday 5th November, 2008.

[Modern Ghana]

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NAMIBIA

Youth Bill finally sees light of day

Windhoek, Oct. 06- NAMIBIAN Youth, National Service Sport and Culture Minister Willem Konjore has tabled the much-awaited National Youth Council Bill in Parliament.

The Bill, once enacted, will see the creation of a national youth development agency, and contribute towards the establishment of a professional youth development sector. According to a New Era report, the passing of the Bill will provide relief for youth activists in the country. 

The National Youth Council (NYC) stands to benefit in funding from central government as it would now be recognised as a complete state-owned entity established by Parliament, and it will enjoy the same privileges as all other instruments of state created through the National Assembly. 

Should the Bill become a reality, the NYC will have direct access to Parliament, with its own budget vote as opposed to being a unit receiving funding from the Directorate of Youth under the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture.

[New Era]

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UNITED NATIONS

Happy Birthday United Nations!

UN HQ, Oct 24- THE Anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.  It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. 

In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday.  Traditionally, it has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the goals and achievements of the Organization.

UN Secretary General in his message mentioned that: "The United Nations must deliver results for a safer, healthier, more prosperous world. On this UN Day, I call on all partners and leaders to do their part and keep the promise."

Please click here (http://www.un.org/events/unday/2008/) to watch the video of the Secretary General Message.

[UN]

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DENMARK

Read Donald Duck!

Copenhagen, Oct. 26 - SPEAK Scandinavian and read Donald Duck, was the appeal to young Nordic people during the Nordic Youth Council Session on 26 October.

The use of the Scandinavian languages was a recurring theme for the Nordic Youth Council in 2008. At their meetings in Stavanger in April the NYC's Presidium decided to make English their official language because the young people have difficulty understanding each other in the Scandinavian languages.

The President of the Nordic Council changed to English when talking about language in his speech to the NYC at their Session in Finnish Hanasaari. "Language is an instrument for communication. If you don’t understand each other in Scandinavian, you must speak English. However, the official languages in the Nordic Council are Scandinavian, so I appeal to you to speak Scandinavian in the Nordic Youth Council", said Erkki Tuomioja, President of the Nordic Council.

Jan-Erik Enestam, Secretary General of the Nordic Council, encouraged Icelanders and Finnish-speaking Finns to read comic books to get better at the Scandinavian languages. Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Halldór Ásgrímsson, also underlined how important Donald Duck had been for his interest in language when he was young. The comics were not always translated into Icelandic, so he was therefore very keen to read the Danish version.

Ásgrímsson believes that understanding the Scandinavian languages is an important foundation for Nordic co-operation.

"But isn’t the war is lost"? asked Icelandic Páll Heimisson, member of the NYC Presidium.

"No, I don’t believe that the war is lost. However, we must increase interest", answered Ásgrímsson. He underlined that it is important that people have the opportunity to use the Scandinavian languages to maintain an interest in learning these languages.

The Icelandic Secretary General also talked about globalisation stating that it will be the most important issue in Nordic co-operation in the years to come.

"The financial crisis we are experiencing today demonstrates how dependent we are on each other, and to solve many of the challenges we need to work together. For example, the environment, the climate and energy", he concluded.

The Nordic Youth Council Session 2008 is taking place in Finnish Hanasaari from 24-26 October 2008 in conjunction with the Nordic Council Session.

[Norden]

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CANADA

Turn down personal music players, EU warns youth

Ottawa, Oct. 14- MUSIC lovers risk permanent hearing loss from blasting their MP3 players too loud for too long, according to a European report, and authorities are considering a reduced limit on sound volumes.

The European Commission requested the study on the risks of "leisure noise," given the widespread use of personal music players and a surge in the number of young people who are exposed to noise and may not notice the irrevocable damage to their hearing.

"It's damage that may come back and haunt you later in life," EU spokeswoman Helen Kearns told a news conference in Brussels on Monday.

The report by the European Union's scientific committee on emerging and newly identified health risks estimated between 50 and 100 million people listen to portable music players every day in the EU.

Listening for only five hours a week at more than 89 decibels would exceed the EU's limits for workplace noise, the committee noted in its report.

Permanent hearing loss could set in for between five and 10 per cent of people who listen to that level for longer periods, the report's authors said.

"There has been increasing concern about exposure from the new generation of personal music players which can reproduce sounds at very high volumes without loss of quality," the report said.

"Risk for hearing damage depends on sound level and exposure time."

Next year, European regulators will consider lowering the legal limit of 100 decibels for MP3 players, Kearns said.

In 2006, Apple altered its iPod design to limit the volume on its digital music players following complaints and a lawsuit in the U.S. that charged the music players may cause hearing loss.

[CBC.ca]

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TAIWAN

Two Taiwanese win awards with essays at APEC event about water

Taipei, Oct. 17 - TWO Taiwanese young adults received top prizes for their research papers on the country's water culture at an APEC camp, the Cabinet-level National Youth Commission (NYC) said in a statement Friday.

The two winners, a male and a female, who are in their 20s, won the awards at the 2008 APEC Youth Camp, an event held under the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Peru from Oct.1-6.

The theme of the camp was "caring for the sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region."

Among the four-member Taiwan delegation, Cheng Yu-hsung's thesis on renovation of the Love River in Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan garnered the Best Essay Award, while Wang Chih-hua walked away with the Most Interesting Essay on application of coastal water resources in Chiayi County in southwestern Taiwan.

Some 36 delegates from 21 APEC member economies participated in the camp.

[Taiwan News]

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FINLAND

Ahtisaari wants to tackle youth unemployment next

Helsinki, Oct. 10 - MARTTI Ahtisaari says winning the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize will help his future mediation work but he also realizes, at 71, perhaps he ought to slow down.

The former Finnish president says for his next project he wants to tackle youth unemployment - 'perhaps the greatest challenge in the world,' as there.

will be 1.3 billion youngsters under 30 entering the labor market in the coming decade. 'With traditional means we can employ only 300 million,' he says.

But he also told AP television news on Friday: 'I have to start realizing that I am 71' and maybe it's time to stop «traveling 200 days a year outside Finland.

Ahtisaari won the prize Friday for his efforts to build peace from Africa and Asia to Europe and the Middle East.

[PR-inside]

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KENYA

Youths urged to embrace commercial farming

Nairobi, Oct. 24 - VICE President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged the youth to embrace commercial farming as one way of uplifting their living standards and fighting unemployment.

Mr. Musyoka lamented that the youth was shying away from agriculture and leaving it in the hands of the elderly who are unable to adopt emerging modern technologies.

He expressed fears that the sector, which is the backbone of the country's economy, risked eminent collapse unless many young people took it up and eventually inherited it from the elderly.

Mr. Musyoka  underscored the vital role played by  the agricultural sector in the improvement of the peoples living standards noting that majority of Kenyans  in rural areas derive their livelihood from farming and other related activities.

The Vice President was speaking Friday at the Coffee Research Foundation, in Ruiru, Thika district during the launch of the Quality Coffee Production and Commercialization Support Program (QCPCSP) where he was the chief guest.

The program which is a collaborative effort between the government and the European Commission is aimed at addressing the decline of coffee production and quality and marketing.

It brings together experts from the ministries of Agriculture, Cooperative Development and Marketing, Coffee Research Foundation, Coffee Board of Kenya and Kenya Coffee Producers and Traders Association.

The Vice President disclosed that under the program, the Government has negotiated with the European Commission (EC) a grant of Kshs. 500 million to revitalize the coffee industry.

Mr. Musyoka said of the amount, Kshs.117, 369,120 will go towards professionalizing coffee co-operatives and unions, Kshs 103,187,018 to marketing and Kshs. 193,659,048 to research.

 "Coffee Research Foundation has in the past been key in performance of this important role in this industry, a factor which has led to the institution being identified for execution and co-ordination of this program," said Mr.
Musyoka.

He at the same time commended the European Commission for the vital role it continued to play in the development of the coffee industry.

"The Government appreciates the historical interest of the European Commission that it has shown in the Kenyan Coffee industry. The commission has at one time or another partnered with us by injecting financial resources in this sector," said Mr. Musyoka.

He said the government was committed to addressing many challenges facing the sector.

The Vice President cited debt relief of non-performing loans owed by farmers to the Co-operative bank, retirement of the outstanding grower's arrears, establishment of the Coffee Development Fund to provide affordable and liberalization of the coffee marketing through introduction of direct coffee sales as some of the measures the government has taken to revive the sector.

The European Commission representative, Mr. Daniel Plas said the organization's support for the coffee sub-sector was in line with the government's Strategy for Revitalizing Agriculture, and the Vision 2030.

Agriculture Minister, William Ruto said the government is exploring various avenues of improving agriculture as one way of empowering farmers economically and improving their living standards.

Mr. Ruto revealed that the government has already released Kshs. 265million to the Coffee Board of Kenya to pay farmers who supplied coffee to the institution.

A Coffee Development Fund, he added, has been established to enable farmers, access credit at low interest rates.

The launch was also attended by Assistant Minister for Cooperatives, Mrs. Linah Kilimo, Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Romano Kiome, Dr. Ludeki Chweya, and Mr. Seno Nyakenyanya among others. 

[Kenya Broadcasting Corporation]

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TANNZANIA

Multiple concurrent partnerships make HIV/Aids fight a quagmire
 

Dar Es Salaam, Oct. 24 - MULTIPLE concurrent partnerships (MCPs), the practice of people having more than one sexual partner over the same time, is a major driver in the spread of HIV in Tanzania.

This has been made public recently at the launch of One Love campaign carried out by Femina HIP Tanzania s health information project.

In Tanzania as in many other African countries it is common for people to have multiple concurrent partners (MCP) which means a situation where men or women have more than one sexual partner that can overlap for weeks, months or years.

A recent study carried out by Femina HIP in collaboration with the department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Dar es Salaam show that people are engaging in MCPs, thus exposing them to high risk of being infected with HIV.

Launching the One Love campaign recently in Dar es Salaam, Femina HIP executive director Dr. Minou Fuglesang said that the campaign is the first of its kind, the motivation emerging from research on the high prevalence of HIV/Aids across the southern Africa region, where infection rates are higher than anywhere else in the world.

She said the idea meant to scale-down the HIV infection rates in the region.

While the campaign will take place across the region, in which each country is adapting and localizing campaign messages and strategy according to its own specific social and cultural environment, needs and research.

She added: ``Femina HIP is working with local partners to implement this and the campaign has been endorsed by Tanzania Commission for Aids.``

According to Dr. Femina HIP early this year, Femina conducted a thorough research in two regions Morogoro and Iringa.

``Morogoro has a relatively low HIV prevalence rate, Iringa has a high rate,`` she said, adding that according to the study, one major reason why people are having MCPs is lack of communication.

``Some people have sexual preferences but they are either afraid or ashamed to communicate this with their partners. As a result they look for other partners,`` said Dr. Fuglesang.

Drawing lessons from this study, Femina HP designed a theme around reducing MCPs as a way to reduce risk of exposure to HIV, as the less partners you have the less likely you are get to get infected, the more partners you have, the more you put your life in danger, she pointed out.

According to Femina, honest partner communication is very important in reducing MCPs that one has.

The tagline for the One Love campaign in Tanzania dwells on 3Ms Mlinde, Mheshimu, Mhusishe (protect, respect and communicate) which promotes partners reduction and partners communication.

``of awareness, still there are many people who are engaging in unprotected sex making them at risk of contracting HIV/Aids,`` said, Dr. Fatma Mrisho, executive chairperson of Tanzania Aids Commission (Tacaids).

She said: ``It looks like people are informed about the pandemic but they are just not used to discussion their sexuality as we all consider it to be taboo.``

She said the Maseru meeting in Lesotho in 2006, a SADC Think Tank group identified MCP by both men and women with low consistent condom use as the key drivers of HIV infections in Southern Africa.

Mrisho noted that the meetings helped countries in the region to put important mechanisms to scale up fight against MCPs.

She explains that the move meant to come up with different approaches towards HIV/Aids fights in the country.

According to Tacaids boss, One Love campaign plays a significant role in addressing MCPs, which finally helps lessening the HIV/Aids infection rates in Tanzania.

Commenting on the same, the Swedish Ambassador to Tanzania, Staffan Herrstrom cited a myriad of factors one being lack of communication between couples on sexuality is a too common phenomenon in several countries and obviously this is a case not least in Tanzania.

According to Herrstrom, other factors that trigger people into MCPs are cultural and social norms, poverty and alcohol.

He said couples therefore become sexually frustrated and dissatisfied and instead of clearing the matter between themselves they go out and seek solutions with other partners.

``The One Love study results make us re-address our views on sexuality. We need to acknowledge that sex and sexuality can not be regarded as a problem that needs to be controlled but as a positive force that can be part of the solution,`` he said.

With the One Love campaign Femina HIP is taking new steps to spearhead attempts to break the silence around sexuality and partner communication around these sensitive issues, Ambassador Herrstrom stressed.

Chicu Lwena is a presenter in one of the Dar es Salaam-based TV station; she said that people seem to be having sex with more than one sexual partner over the same period.

``Let`s not forget culture and tradition. Polygamy is a cultural institution that allows for several wives but will they be faithful to each other?`` queried Lwena.

Another factor includes the Unyago initiation rituals that encourage girls to ensure that they have  three cooking stones  accelerates to the MCP that finally lead to the high rate of HIV infections.

``We need a public debate about culture and challenge such practices that may be harmful if they promote MCPs,`` she said, adding: ``gender inequality is also a reason and a big challenge for our society. It is deeply engrained in cultural values.``

``Women are just not empowered economically to be independent so they enter into sexual relationships for money and material possessions,`` said Lwena in her talking points at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam at the launch of One Love campaign.

She said women are neither empowered to stand-up to men and demand that they are treated with respect.

Experience have shown that women can have one relationships for provision, one for sexual pleasure and one in reserve, just in case.

She however challenged the public to reduce the number of partners as well as starting the systematic use of condoms.

In his view, Commissioner of the Tanzania`s Youth Commission for HIV/Aids, Taji Liundi said that there are many different forms of multiple relationships:Steady partner and then a `nyumba ndogo` little house.

``Then we have our `sugar daddies` those that like young girls, intergenerational relations, then those that seek 3Cs: Cars, Cash and Cell phones, relations for monetary or material benefits,`` he said.

According to Liundi, many couples are dissatisfied in their relationships, and they just don t seem to talk about their intimacies or problems.

He also cited alcohol use as another challenge as people looses all sense and they have unprotected sex hence posing them to risks of contracting HIV.

``So it seems that people have different relationships, men have wives to cook and build a family with but at the same time they have girl friends for sexual experimentation and satisfaction,`` he said.

The One Love campaign is a 9-SADC country campaign coordinated by the Soul City Institute for Development in South Africa and is taking place in Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

[IPPmedia]

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SAINT KITTS & NEVIS

National Youth Congress

Basseterre, Oct. 21 - AS the federation shifts from an agriculture based economy to a service based economy, with tourism as the backbone, the tourism authority is ensuring that the future leaders of the country get an early introduction to this important industry.

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority once again held their annual national youth congress which saw Devon Richardson of the Sandy Point high, Lisette Hutchinson of the convent high, Amanda Greene of the Washington Archibald High and Donaleene Roberts of the Basseterre high school vying to be the winner of the 2008 national youth congress.

Permanent secretary in the ministry of tourism, Lloyd Lazar reiterated the importance of the objectives of the youth congress.

Mr. Lazar told the students that being a part of this prestigious competition can open up several doors of opportunity for them.

Meanwhile the 2007 winner of the national youth congress, Jermaine James said that being a part of the congress has changed his life.

The topics for the competition were centered on the topic: “climate change and tourism.”

At the end of the competition, Devon Richardson of the Sandy Point high school was the winner of the impromptu us speech segment while Amanda Greene of the Washington Archibald high school took the prize for the prepared speech segment and was also named the overall winner of the 2008 national youth congress. 

[ZIZ Live]

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CHINA

 7th Asia-Europe People's Forum

Beijing, Oct 13 - Over 500 participants of Asian and European Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) gathered here on Monday for a three-day forum to discuss issues covering social and ecological justice.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the seventh Asia and Europe People's Forum (AEPF), Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi believed the forum participants would follow the principle of equality and mutual respect, fully exchange views on subjects related to the theme of the meeting, seek common ground while putting aside differences, increase consensus, make constructive contributions and work together to make the event productive.

Its theme, "For social and ecological justice," covers a range of issues, including the Millennium Development Goals, climate change and ecological justice, social security in Asia and Europe, women's participation in political affairs, rights of the disabled and counter terrorism, all of which are common challenges confronting countries in Asia and Europe.

"I hope the participants will conduct in-depth discussions on these issues in a pragmatic manner and come up with practical and feasible suggestions that will serve as important policy reference for the upcoming Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)," Yang noted.

Asian and European leaders from more than 40 countries will gather in Beijing on Oct. 24 for the two-day ASEM Summit under the theme of "Vision and action towards a win-win solution."

The ASEM Summit would produce fruitful results and contribute to the peace and development of the world and the well being of the people of both Asia and Europe, Yang said.

The forum, since its inception, had done much in promoting sustainable environmental, social and economic development, protecting the economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights of the people in Asia and Europe, and facilitating the participation of various sectors of society in the ASEM process, according to Yang.

The forum had put forward many good proposals that have attracted the close attention of ASEM, and contributed its share to Asia-Europe cooperation, Yang said.

He believed the forum would "play a positive role in promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between Asia and Europe and in pushing forward the ASEM process." In addition, the forum would also make a unique contribution to maintaining world peace, stability and prosperity and promoting human progress and development, he said.

He said the forum was a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas, for seeking solutions to some difficult issues, and for enhancing the healthy growth of Asian-European cooperation.

In forum were present even youth leaders, from the European Youth Forum and the World Assembly of Youth, invited from All China Youth Federation.

Zhang, on behalf of the organizing committee of the AEPF, expressed his gratitude for the Chinese government's support to the forum.

[Xinhua]

ASEAN set to promote young entrepreneurs collaboration

Nanning, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) - THE China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Young Entrepreneurs Forum kicked off Tuesday in Nanning, capital city of the southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

It is the first ever such activity held in China to enhance cooperation between young business people.

More than 140 entrepreneurs from ASEAN countries took part in the event which was organized by the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF).

At the opening ceremony, Lu Yongzheng, vice president of the ACYF, said China and ASEAN should endeavor to establish a young business people's association to act as a platform to promote dialogue.

"Such a mechanism would help to raise young entrepreneur's capabilities to better establish themselves, make a more successful business and inject vitality into the China-ASEAN strategic partnership," Lu said.

N. Hafimi Abdul Haadii, head of the young entrepreneur delegation from Brunei Darussalam, added that amid global financial turmoil, it is of crucial importance for the private sector in this region to join efforts and seek mutual growth opportunities.

This forum is a part of the fifth China-ASEAN Expo that will run through Oct. 25 in Nanning, a southern metropolitan with a population of more than 6.4 million.

[Xinhua]

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BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Youth Development Centre holds Customer Day

Bandar Seri Begawan, Oct. 24 - THE Youth Development Centre, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports held a customer day at its premises yesterday. Present as the guest of honour was Awang Haji Zamri bin Dato Paduka Haji Hamdani, Senior Special Duty Officer at Youth and Sports Department, Ministry Culture, Youth and Sports.

The ceremony began with the recital of al-Fatihah and a doa followed by a welcoming remark by the Head of Pusat Pembangunan Belia, Hjh Dayang Fatimah bte PP Haji Awang Mohd Salleh.

The objectives of the customer day were to disseminate information on Youth Development Centre such as giving information on all courses that are being offered at the centre and the role and function of the centre. It also gave the youth opportunities to interact with the instructor and to get a closer look at how the courses are run.

 [Borneo Bulletin]
 
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FIJI

Youth group wants action on child sex

Suva, Oct. 20 - RECENT reports of child prostitution and the rising prison youth population has prompted Fiji’s youth activists to call on the interim Government to take action.

The Young Peoples Concerned Network, which comprises of youth activists from various NGO's, the Private and Public sector, wants Government to prioritise funding for youth at risk programmes and activities in its 2009 Budget.

“If this government really cares for the youth of this nation, they will pump more money into the downscaled Ministry of Youth and increase money into high risk youth areas,” said YPCN Vice-President Peter Waqavonovono.

“It makes more sense to do this than spending thousands of dollars disturbing young people studying towards critical external exams with the People's Charter Consultation.”

Waqavonovono said the group is shocked with the revelation in the media that a girl as young as 12 is a prostitute on the streets of Lautoka.

“On top of this, the recent revelation of prison statistics comprise mostly youth.”

Interim Minister for Education, Youth and Sports Filipe Bole condemned the “heinous acts” against youth, saying it should be a cause for concern for all members of the public.

He said the Child Sexual Abuse Report of 2007, prepared by the Fiji Police, noted that there were 186 cases with children between the ages of 14-16 and 154 cases with children less than 13 years.

He said some of the categories of the offences were rape, attempted rape, indecent assault or unnatural offences.

“The Ministry is determined and duty bound to curtail this repugnant act on our children,” he said.

“For the protection of our children, a culture of continual dialogue on any given subject must be nurtured in our homes, our churches, and the neighbourhood and in our nation. It is a weapon society can use to combat sexual abuse.”

[fijilive]

Youth leaders spread gospel

Suva, Oct. 27 - COMMUNITY youth leaders from the Central Eastern Division cleaned the Navua Hospital as part of their summit on Friday.

The youth summit was organised by the Ministry of Youth in collaboration with the Australian Government at Pacific Harbour, Deuba.

The divisional youth sub-committee was one of the organisers of the summit and its spokeswoman, Olive Compain, said issues discussed at the summit was well received by the participants.

Ms Compain said the main objective of the summit was to encourage youth leaders to take the message back to their communities.

Issues discussed at the two-day summit included HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, conflict resolution, human rights and good governance.

Ms Compain said there were a lot of activities organised for the youths to help them understand issues affecting their community and the country.

"The ideas and recommendations made by the youth leaders would be evaluated and we would highlight them at our next youth summit," she said.

[Fiji Times]

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GRENADA

Successful panel discussion held by Ministry of Youth Empowerment

Saint George's, Oct. 10 - AS Part of its Youth Month activities being celebrated from October 1st, to 31st, 2008 the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Culture and Sports hosted a National Panel Discussion and Youth Forum on Tuesday October 7th, 2008 at the Grenada Boys Secondary School.
 
The discussion was attended by students of the T. A Marryshow Community College, the St. Joseph's Convent St. George's, Presentation Brothers College, Boca Secondary School, the Grenada Boys Secondary School as well as other young persons from the wider community.

The panelists, Ms. Jennifer Laltoo representing the T. A. Marryshow Community College, Teacher, Mr. Glen Alexander, CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Mr. Kerry Frank and Ms. Karri Marrast and Mr. Klint Alexander from Carriacou and Petite Martinique, kept interesting discussions on the issue of challenges faced by young persons in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique as well as further afield.
 
Issues discussed included the involvement of youth in the organization of activities geared toward youth development and their ability to provide timely and direct inputs into the development of these. Additionally the issues of HIV/AIDS as it relates to sexual promiscuity, financial issues, and peer pressure, were also discussed, among many other issues.
 
Minister for Youth Empowerment, Culture and Sports, the Honorable Patrick Simmons, was high in his praise of the participants and the organizers of the activity. He commended the staff of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Culture and Sports for the hard work they would have put into ensuring the success of the National Panel Discussion as well as the other activities taking place during Youth Month.
 
Youth Month continues to the end of October under the theme: "Facing the Challenges, preparing for the future- We can make the difference".
 
Other activities taking place during the month include Job Readiness Workshops, Badness Outta Style Day, National Sports Day, National Youth Awards, and the National Youth Parliament among others.

[Barnacle]

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PAKISTAN

Population Ministry arranges seminar for youth   

Islamabad, Oct 22 - MINISTRY of Population Welfare will hold an advocacy seminar to educate masses especially youth on population related issue in Faisalabad on Thursday.

The seminar titled “Cross cutting issues including Gender, Youth and Population” is being held by the Ministry’s institute called as National Institute of Population Studies (NIPs). The heads of various public sector organizations and the heads of NGOs will participate in the seminar, said a statement issued here on Wednesday.

The objective of the seminar is to build stronger partnership for reproductive health and family planning by enhancing awareness about the role of gender and youth. Federal Minister for Population Welfare, Mir Humanyoon Aziz Kurd will be chief guest on the occasion. The welcome address would be delivered by Additional Secretary M/O Population Welfare/Executive Director NIPs Muhammad Ali Afridi.

Secretary Population Nayyar Agha and other speakers will express their views in this connection.

The seminar will also be attended by students and representatives of Non-governmental organizations.

[Associated Press Of Pakistan]

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KYRGYZSTAN

First White Book on Youth Policy issued

Bishkek, Oct. 06 - FIRST analytical brochure on youth policy (White Book) Youth-Strategic Resource of Kyrgyzstan was issued in Bishkek,” Aigul Dogdurova UNV-UNDP program manager told the news agency “24.kg”.

“White Book is a new format of introducing various groups of interests to politics. The brochure contains recommendations and suggestions to the government in solving issues of youth policy and advancing its development,” the manager added.

The authors believe that youth is a real moving power that should be used for country’s development.

White Book is not a regulatory legal act. Its prior aim is to change attitude and attract attention to the youth issues in Kyrgyzstan,” Aigul Dogdurova said.

[24]

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AZERBAIJAN

President of Azerbaijan: "The youth policy has been successfully conducted in Azerbaijan"

Baku, Oct. 03 - DEPUTY Minister of Youth and Sports Intigam Babayev said that youth conferences were held for organization of the forum in the regions of the country from June until September of this year. 1620 delegates were selected for participation in the forum. The forum involves 1533 delegates.

In his appeal to the forum participants, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stressed the influence of the Azerbaijani youth and resolution of the employment issue.

"Positive results have been achieved in the youth employment, the influence of the youth organizations is also growing", says the letter of I.Aliyev, read by the chief of department for humanitarian issues of the presidential administration Fatma Abdullazade.

The head of the state noted in his report that Azerbaijan is one of the rare countries of the world, where most of the population is young. The President also stressed the successful implementation of the youth policy in Azerbaijan. In his appeal, I.Aliyev voiced hope that the forum will appreciate the previously conducted work, define main problems and encourage mobilization of the country's youth for implementation of tasks, set for the future.

[Today.AZ]

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SRI LANKA

National Youth award programme

Colombo, Oct. 23 - THE National Youth Award programme, organised in line with the international award ceremony for young people will be held tomorrow in Colombo at the Mahaweli Centre.

The National Youth Award programme is operated by the National Youth Awards Authority of the National Youth Council under the Youth Affairs Ministry.

The youth above 14 years are entitled to follow the National Youth Award Programme which is conducted under the guidance of Youth Affairs Ministry. According to sources at National Youth Award Authority, winners will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

The programme mainly consists of four segments. They are 'Service, Skills, Adventurous Journey and Physical Recreation'. To obtain an award a participant has to fulfil the requirement of all four sections. The aim of the programme is to establish a life-long ability to set and achieve personal goals and encourage to become a useful citizen.

[Ceylon Daily News]

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THIS news bulletin is a service of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY). Although all efforts are made to ensure accuracy and reliability of reports, the content and opinions expressed within this bulletin are those of the authors/news agencies and are not necessarily shared by the publisher.

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