The YWCA of Papua New Guinea Celebrates International Youth Day
In August 2011, the Youth Adolescent Health Club (YAH), a project activity of the YWCA of Papua New Guinea (PNG), celebrated International Youth Day together with other youth organisations. The programme was prepared to commemorate the creation of a space for local youth to demonstrate their talent and creativity, as well as join the global community in a united voice for peace, safety and justice in all nations. The theme, “Mobilising Youth for Change,” was chosen to draw the attention of other young people as well.
According to the YWCA of PNG YAH Club President, Joanne Cholai, young people have greatly contributed to combating poverty and hunger in their communities and raising awareness on the HIV and AIDS pandemic through peer education. "The youth must also lead by example in practicing green and healthy lifestyles, promoting the use of new technologies, including the utilisation of mobile devices and social networking to foster the development of inclusive societies, and promote peace and solidarity," said Cholai.
This year young people in PNG demanded that the government increase the budget for vulnerable and marginalised societies of PNG. Governor Hon. Power Parkop, the Government representative of National Capital District said, “Providing employment, health and education for young people was a daunting task, and more needs to be done to help the many young people pushed out of school and onto the streets with no formal employment and education.” He also urged young people to help themselves in terms of engaging in positive, healthy and honest ways of living instead of waiting for the government to help them.
PNG has a very young population with 40% under the age of 15. Youth, women, children and marginalised groups make up approximately half of PNG’s population. Some eighty thousand young people leave the formal education system annually and most are unable to find employment.
At the end of the programme, the YWCA of PNG presented its appreciation to organisations that supported and helped the event to be successful, and commended to work together for more success in the coming years.
International Youth Day is celebrated around the world every year. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s 2011 message for young people was, “I say: you have the opportunity to change our world. Seize it.”
