-activity to commemorate International Youth Day
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s “Edutainment” workshop held yesterday at the Carifesta Sports Complex, in observance of the United Nations’ annual International Youth Day celebration, attracted over 200 youths, ages 15 to 25, from Regions Three, Four, Five and Georgetown. “Edutainment” is the use of entertainment to educate youths and bring about positive changes in their lives.
Youths had the opportunity to participate in various activities, including dancing, skits, interacting and poetry and drama.
The activity, under the theme “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding”, is aimed to increase youth participation and partnership, intercultural understanding among youths, commitment and investment and youth potential.
Many activities and events that take place around the world on International Youth Day promote the benefits that young people bring.
Permanent Secretary of the Youth Ministry, Alfred King, stated that being a youth is very significant, as youths are considered assets of society.
Focus was placed on youths, their needs, their involvement and participation, and the pertinent contribution they can make to the world.
King said the workshop will create an environment where they can share goals and aspirations and subsequently start planning and working on their dreams.
“Youths need to actively participate in nation building which will help develop the country,” King said.
He added that dialogue among youths will influence behavioural change and encourage young persons to take corrective actions on issues that are affecting them or which can hinder their lives.
“We want youths to use edutainment as an educational tool to impact positively on young people, and subsequently be used as an agent for social change,” King said.
Director of Youth, Carl Brandon, noted that the special day was set aside to give recognition to young people who would contribute to society, as well as the country.
Many countries participate in this global event which may include youth conferences on issues such as education and employment.
Activities were also held to highlight the importance of creating avenues for youth involvement in every aspect of the development process.
Brandon encouraged them to make adequate use of the opportunity to interact with each other, and get involved in the various activities.
He said that the United Nations will designate August 12, 2010, to August 12, 2011, as International Youth Year, under the theme “Our Year Our voice.” (GINA)