Peace Corps of Nigeria commemorate International Youth Day(IYD) 2019
The importance of youths in every society can not be over emphasized. There is serious need to build and provide every necessary platform that youth needs to develop and structure their reasoning faculty so as to be able to contribute their positive quota to the growth and development of the society. Therefore, due to the high dependence on youth in the society, they have a role to play because the future of their families, communities and the country lie in their hands.
The International Youth Day (IYD) is a day designated by the United Nations for the purpose of drawing attention to a set of cultural and legal issues surrounding the Youths. The first IDY was observed on 12th August, 2000.
The theme of this year’s IDY is, “Transforming Education”, highlights efforts to make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youths, including efforts by youth themselves. Rooted in Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” – IYD 2019 tends to examine how Governments, young people, youth-led and youth focused organizations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education and how these efforts are contributing to the achievements of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Making education more relevant, equitable and inclusive is crucial to achieving sustainable development. Education is a ‘development multiplier’ in that it plays a pivotal role in accelerating progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, be it poverty eradication, good health, gender equality, decent work and growth, reduced inequalities, action on climate or building peaceful societies.
Youth engagement is crucial to bringing about more relevant, equitable and inclusive education. Youth-led organizations like the Peace Corps of Nigeria is transforming educational institutions by partnering with Governments, educational institutions and other stakeholders through lobbying and advocating education policies and developing complementary training programs through the Peace Club in schools and colleges, updating education plans and school curricula to include lessons about Peace, Justice, conflict resolution and the environment as well as climate change, among many other areas.
Youth engagement is essential to the transformation of education into a means for inclusive youth development and sustainable development. The National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Amb. (Dr) Dickson Akoh urge all youths to take their education seriously.
Pat.Millicent Umoru-O Corps Public Relations Officer
