1.4. Overview of the Consultation A presentation on the overview was done by the Executive Director, Ngolo Katta. Presenting to participants, the director gave a background on the African Union – European Summit. He explained that Sub-Sahara Africa region is the youngest region in the world, and its youth population is growing rapidly. This is why Africa’s youth are easily considered as destabilizing force that threatens the region’s security. As the region’s youth population grows, skill and familiarity with technology will become an increasingly important factor in the region’s future prosperity. In many countries in the region however, public policy regarding technology is weak or non-existent, and technology particularly social media has transformed the landscape for civic and social engagement by youth. The environment also plays an important role in the challenges that sub-Sahara African youth face with regard to participation in decision making processes, public health and employment. In the 28th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held on the 30th January. 2017, Heads of State have expressed their commitment to mainstreaming youth’s programs in all socio-economic activities to uphold the maintenance of peace and stability in the continent. Sierra Leone Youth Development Programme 2014 – 2018 indicate that 60% of the young people (between 18 and 35 years) are unemployed and over 80% of the country’s young people live below the poverty line of US$2 per day. This marks a major social and economic problem with implications for peace and stability. Ending his presentation, the director urged participants bring out recommendations to be a position paper that will speak the mind of many young people in the country. (See Consultation Concept Note – Annex A) 1.5. Statements National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) Commissioner - Anthony Koroma In his statement the Commissioner, National Commission – Anthony Koroma thanked CCYA for the partnership with NAYCOM to organize the consultation. He said it is the responsibility and duty of the Commission to partner with all stakeholders involve in youth development in finding ways and opportunities to advance the issues surrounding key youth development in Sierra Leone.
Illegal migration (Temple run). Low participation of youths in the Agricultural sector. Low employment rate amongst youths. Intimidation of youths in certain position of Huge gap between mainstream and marginalized youths. Future status of youths in Sierra Leone are thus: Youths should be well empowered with information and involvement in decision making at all level. Create more job opportunities for youths. Establish more technical vocational centers with the required materials and trained tutors for young people across Sierra Leone. Support more young people with micro-finance grants for entrepreneurship purposes. Equip both secondary and tertiary institutions with the required teaching and learning materials/equipments needed. GROUP (Two) 2 Presentation Existing opportunities Revised National youth policy 2014 National youth commission National youth council The African youth charter Youth Service Agencies Civil society organizations Ministry of youth affairs other line MDA’s National labour acts The incorporation of youth into governance Challenges Low budgetary allocation to youth development initiatives/activities Lack of effective capacity building mechanism within MDA’s and CSO’s towards youth empowerment. Lack of proper coordination amongst youth sector players Challenges faced in regards to education for people living with disabilities. Lack of soft loans facility for youths Lack of youth employment policy Regional and political identity CHALLENGES Low participation of youths in Governance.