ST.JOHN'S Antigua, September 9th, 2011 -- National Youth Week will run this year from September 30th to October 8th, with a slate of activities under the theme - Youth: Investors in National Development.
The initiative is part of a strategic plan to incorporate young people into the development matrix.
"Young people are an important sector of the population, their needs, interests, their challenges and the problems that they present all impact the society now... and so now is the time to engage them. Now is the time to support them. Now is the time to create spaces for their genius and certainly now is the time to invest in them." A Press Release from the Department of Youth said.
This year’s theme is intended to reflect the present reality, at a time when Antigua & Barbuda, like the rest of the world, is facing dire economic challenges.
"Young people need to be pulled into the realization that they can add value… they are indeed assets. In fact, they have what it takes to pull this country out of the doldrums. They have the ability to learn and acquire knowledge; they have the propensity to take risks, to think outside of the box, to make extraordinary connections; they have a natural leaning towards technology... and they top that off with an abundance of energy!" the release added.
It is hoped the theme will excite activism, and spur young people into serious action for national good.
The public is urged to support the activities planned for the week, and young people, schools, and youth groups were especially invited to be involved.
The Department of Youth Affairs began celebrating National Youth Week in 2005. This was also around the time when youths were gearing up to undertake one of the most significant tasks in youth development history in the country - the formulation of the National Youth Policy.
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