National conference for Somali youths winds up in Mogadishu with clear cut outcomes
The national political conference for the Somali youths has been wrapped today in Mogadishu following 2 days of extensive deliberations with clear cut issues on youth political participation, constitution and education matters among others.
Articles agreed upon include participation jointly in the implementation of the national youth policy, engaging the interim National Constituent Assembly, to create a forum that will establish them as leaders, to learn good leadership and to advocate the interests of Somali youth among others.
Other articles also touched on how to create job opportunities for young people, conducting regular meetings to strengthen youth awareness and to get the youth ready for the development of the country and receiving basic services such as quality education and health.
Islamic scholars also factored in the political participation of the youth where it is proposed “to play an important role in the mental health of young people and raising awareness about radicalization.”
Positive contributions such as encouragement on every young person on their specific talents, increasing their knowledge on secular and religious subjects were also seen as among the several positive ideas that will improve the lives of the Somali youths.
Giving jobs to foreigners was seen among the negative aspects that discourage young people in the country and “priority should be given to young people who were educated in the country to fill in the opportunities available to foreigners” said the article.
On the constitutional level, the articles stressed on the need to have clear perspective on the rights of the Somali youth and must include this particular aspect in the constitutional review process to provide significant roles for them in the different political and different sectors of the government.
On the economic side , the article noted the extension of support and encouragement to young people who depend working in the resources of the country like farming, fishing and livestock sectors and to establish a connection between business people and the youth and to create country development fund. Also to involve the young people through consultation in financial and investment issues.
Acquiring knowledge also featured in on teaching them past history, nationalism and the value of the country and to work together to develop the country where everyone will shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the security of the country and to support governance in order to achieve peace and sustainable development. Young people are expected to learn too about the history of the Somali people in order to acquire knowledge to avoid committing past mistakes and entertaining radical ideologies and to create centres for youths to meet and share their thoughts and maintaining the quality of education curriculum via consultation.
On health related matters, it said the youth should play an important role in health, hygiene, education, arts and literature, sports, assisting young people with special needs, to rebuild urban centers and across the country.
Morale boosting and games were also an integral part of youth development by “demonstrating confidence and consideration of what they can do and to find fun places for young people” read the article.
Goobjoog News