Africa-Press – Lesotho. The European Union (EU) has engaged youth in this year’s celebration of the International Youth Day whereby they participated in a debate on how youth can help strengthen governance and promote reforms in Lesotho.
This unique celebration is in line of the EU’s focus on youth empowerment this year – earmarked as the European year of the youth. This year’s theme is: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a world for all ages.
Speaking at the event, EU Head of Cooperation Mario Giuseppe Varrenti said August 12 has been chosen as youth day internationally. He said young people do not have to wait until the 12th of August to be commemorated, they must have a say, make their voices heard.
He stated that climate change was prioritized precisely on the demands of young people, “The only way to make a change is to get together. Do not let the syndical idea that nothing will ever change take up space,” recommended Varrenti.
As the technology and skills development youth-led agency speaker, Learning Mindset Foundation Executive Director Lerato Mphaka encouraged each and every one to start mentorship programs of their own.
“It is important to question whether we are the right people for the future we want to entail.
We have created an eight months program for school leaving students which includes teaching them about Design thinking, Data visualization and UX/IU Design. We have so far assisted 12 youth,” she said.
Emphasizing on a need for transformation through active citizenry, Youth Activist Khereng Nelson Khereng indicated that it is important to have active citizens and that starts from our communities as well as among youth.
“Are we doing enough as the youth? How can we foster for youth solidarity? Our country does not teach us about participation in civic issues.
To be an active citizen we should start first by participating, engaging and excelling in whatever sphere we are in. We need to have policies formulated towards addressing challenges that are facing the youth.
We are far from achieving youth development in the country because we are afraid to take lead. The right time to foster for national activities is during the eight months after graduation,” concluded Khereng.
For her part, Democracy Works Foundation Lesotho Project Manager and Human Rights Activist Kahisano Kolobe, during her presentation about democracy and bridging the generational gap, highlighted that young people want space but once given have no idea where to start.
She said holding duty bearers accountable is important because they present people’s messages in parliament. Kolobe encouraged youth to always learn something from someone, adding that reading is the key aspect to knowledge.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
