Third National Youth Policy launched

Michelline Nawatises The ministry of sport, youth and national service recently launched the third National Youth Policy. It outlined strategies to enhance youth empowerment as a catalyst for achieving economic transformation and social cohesion for sustainable development. The policy was launched by sports minister Agnes Tjongarero under the theme ‘Mainstreaming Youth Development into the National Agenda’.It provides for a process of deciding what should be achieved, what should be done to achieve it, how to achieve it efficiently and economically, and apportions responsibilities. The basis for the development of the policy is to address challenges undermining youth development in Namibia so that the youth can take their rightful places in building a united, inclusive and prosperous society. This policy was formulated through extensive consultations with the youth across the 14 regions of Namibia.It extends from 2020 to 2030, giving the nation 10 years to implement its strategies. The implementation must, however, not be left to the ministry alone, but must be cross-sectoral, aimed at effecting positive youth development outcomes. As part of the implementation of the policy, different offices, ministries and agencies will be expected to report to Cabinet on the progress made.“The youth cannot continue to be only job seekers, but must also become creators of employment and other opportunities to emancipate themselves from the cycles of poverty,” the minister emphasised.Sheila Roseau, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country representative, mentioned what the youth policy achieved since 1993 - the year the first National Youth Policy was adopted by government. Every region in Namibia has one or more vocational training centres, offering short- and long-term courses aimed at empowering youth through technical and vocational training, she said.“Namibia is the only country in Africa with a presidential advisor on youth matters and continues to witness youth being appointed as part of the legislative and executive organs.”She added that not all young people face the same reality when it comes to their education, employment and health, and one of the contributing factors is limited access to healthcare services, especially for the poor, persons with disabilities, unemployed and out-of-school youth. Meanwhile, when it comes to employment, according to Trading Economics Global, Namibia’s youth unemployment rate is expected to reach 50.3% by the end of 2021.

Third National Youth Policy launched

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Third National Youth Policy launched

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