Thousands celebrate UN International Year for Youth
THE one-year anniversary of the United Nations (UN) declaration of International Year for Youth was celebrated here last Friday.
The activities started with a rally that saw the participation of thousands of youths, from various backgrounds countrywide, which culminated at the Carifesta Avenue Sports Complex, in Georgetown, with some ‘edutainment.’ The programme was the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and several other entities, which are key partners in youth development.
‘Change our World’ was more than the theme for the occasion, it is a call for action that should inspire young people at all times, UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul said in her address to the gathering.
She said persons should recognise the contributions of young men and women across the world to fight for human dignity and fundamental freedoms.
“Young people are one in a billion strong in the world, they carry a billion hopes for a better future and a billion ideas to change the world. They also embody one billion lives to nurture and support. Young people are growing up as the leading edge of change,” the diplomat noted.
She believes that the capabilities of young people must be developed so that their energy works for innovation, civic participation and for resolving global challenges, as young people are already changing the world and reinventing culture globally.
Fletcher-Paul said, in times of change, a country and its people must rely on all sources of dynamism to face rising global challenges.
“The United Nations says it has recognised that every young man and woman must be given the chance to take part in decision making which, eventually, shapes society and defines the trend a country must follow,” she stated.
Fletcher-Paul said, with this in mind, the Guyana Government must be congratulated for the work that was initiated and executed towards youth empowerment, so far.
She pointed out that young people are gifted with open minds and a keen awareness of emerging trends and are bringing their energy, ideas and courage to some of the most complex and important challenges facing the human family.

SHARED GOALS
“It is you who often understand better than the older generation that we can transcend our religious and cultural differences in order to reach our shared goals,” the envoy observed.
The UN representative, who interacted with thousands of youths in various territories, indicated that, even though they are the custodians of tomorrow, they are also important stakeholders of today.
She called on adults to acknowledge and celebrate what youth can do and, at the same time, reveal that they stand to learn a lot from youth in this age of increased inter-connectedness.
Minister with the youth portfolio, Dr. Frank Anthony, who also addressed the crowd, said he is pleased with the improvements that Guyana has made so far as they relate to youth development in the region.
“We have been making significant investments in youths and, over the years, we have made significant improvements but we are still making efforts to make further improvements in this area,” he admitted.
Anthony expressed gratitude for all the support that has been given to Guyana which, up to now, has made significant impacts on its youths.
He disclosed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has identified 15 priority areas, including health and education among others, through which it is hoped to prevent and reduce issues affecting young people in Guyana.
Anthony agreed that young people represent a new thinking and may be the ones who will be able to resolve and eliminate these problems.
“Young people have a way of looking at new things and new opportunities in the world that would aid development. Older folks see things in a fixed way but young people can bring about a perspective to overcome the challenges that have been lingering around,” he agreed.
The minister told the youths that they are recognised as talented and educated and should be positive individuals who play a fundamental role in nation building.
Alluding to the many programmes being offered by his ministry for youth development, he said the Government continues to provide the necessities and people should make the extra effort to be part of them.
Citing an example, Anthony said, just recently, 85 young men and women were a part of the Ministry’s Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme.
“A lot of time, the work that we are doing in the ministry goes a little bit unnoticed. Not many people recognise that we run quite a number of training programmes,” he said.
Anthony said the ministry is very proud of the programme and, with every passing year, it is seeing tremendous improvement in the quality of the programmes offered as well as in the number of persons who benefit.
He also highlighted training at the National Museum, the ministry’s health, education,  steelpan, dance and art programmes.
With respect to steelpan, he said ministry staffers are going to different communities and working with teachers to train students to play the instruments.
According to him, the ministry has a lot to offer but many youths are unaware of the opportunities available.
The UN said it is committed to continuing its work to expand the horizons of opportunity for young women and men and answer their legitimate demands for dignity, development and decent work.