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| International YouthDay |
The world now has the largest generation aged 15-24 in
history, making up a quarter of the worlds population. Almost 70% of this age
group lives in developing countries yet just one in three countries consult
young people with regards to tackling issues concerning the youth.
The definition of a youth according to the Nigeria National Youth policy is someone between the age of 18 and 35.The National youth
policy of Nigeria recognizes the teeming population of young persons as a force
of change, important resource and national asset. It also situates their needs
and aspiration at the center of national development.
The International Youth Day is an awareness day designated
by the United Nations with purpose of drawing attention to a given set of
cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. It was first observed on August
12, 2000.
The last international Youth day celebration drew attention
on youths with mental health conditions to help them realize their full
potentials.
As we celebrate another international youth day come August
12, 2015 with the theme Youth Civic Engagement. Our goal is to promote the effective inclusion and engagement of young Nigerians at all levels.
Governments, organizations, CSOs and multilateral
organizations are increasing attention on youth civic engagement placing value
on the population of the youth in developing countries. A perfect example is the internship opportunity offered by Policy and Legal Advocacy Center with support from DFID to young graduates interested in the workings of the National Assembly. The 2015 internship opportunity inspired this blog and left us with wonderful experiences that increase our perception about the National Assembly, Legislators and governance process as a whole.
The engagement and participation of youth is essential to
achieve sustainable human development, but young people engaging politically,
economically and socially is non-existent or partial because of the following
reasons.
- Adults do not think young people ‘should’ or ‘can be’ involved in decision-making process. Young people are seen as risky and aggressive or immature without the ability to understand or contribute.
- Young people are not provided with the right training to get involve in decision-making
- Young women also face further barriers of restricted independence. Some people question if it is appropriate for young women to get involve in governance process.
As we encourage youth civic engagement in the celebration
this year, there is need to provide young people with space to participate in
governance processes alongside adults. This will help inform and change
attitudes about what young people can and should do.
Secondly, if the young people are provided with the right training
as they get involve in decision-making, they will make the most out of their experience.
Lastly, there is urgent need to support girls and young
women to engage in governance processes.
Governance process need to be tailored and gender sensitive to allow
improved participation in decision –making.
As youths, we need to understand that it is our right to
participate in the decisions that affect us. We need to make ourselves available
to share our experiences so that leaders can make informed decisions thereby
making greater impact. We can become active citizens by participating actively
In the governance process. Technology is offering us more options to express
our opinions on societal issues, which will affect our lives as adults.
Using the numerous platforms that technology has offered us,
I encourage you to participate in the celebration of the International Youth
day 2015 using the #YOUTHDAY. This will be an avenue to call on decision-makers
to intensify their efforts on youth civic engagement, priority areas concerning
the youths and all other opinion you like to share.
Lets engage with one voice.
Share your questions and opinions using #YOUTHDAY, #IYDNigeria2015
Source: www.undesadspd.org,
wikipedia- International youth day, Global agreements grassroots advocacy toolkit,
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