INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY (IYD) – AUGUST 10, 2019

JDPC Onitsha partnered with Youth-led Organizations, NGOs and CSOs in Anambra State to organize the first ever International Youth Day in the State at Shanahan hall, Onitsha.

The UN International Youth Day is set aside on the 12^th day of August every year to serve as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world’s youth.

This year’s theme highlighted efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible for all youth, 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.”

In Nigeria, the UN’s theme for the 2019 IYD “Transforming Education” was localized by Nigeria Youth SDG to “Amplifying Youth Voices for the SDGs.” This program which was done to simplify the understanding of SDGs in Nigeria, was organized by Justice, Development and Peace/Caritas (JDPC) Onitsha in partnership with Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment (DeCODE) and Pro-Value Human Foundation (PHF), Nigeria.

The 2019 IYD theme in Anambra State, which focused on “Amplifying Youth Voices for the SDGs” was also adopted to promote lifelong learning opportunities and entrepreneurship, skills exhibition and empowerment, promoting and facilitating development programme instrument, support services and appropriate technology that will enhance livelihoods, job creation and poverty reduction embedded in (SDGs 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 16 & 17).

In ensuring that the common vision of the Nigeria SDG Youth Network and SDG goals are accomplished in the State, representatives ofMinistry of Youth Empowerment, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, NYSC, SMEDAN and Pro-Value Humanity Foundation were invited as special guests and panelists on the programme. Other highlights included:

1. Exhibition of products and services originating from youth for potential investors.
2. Opportunity for micro-credit loan
3. Life-long learning skills
4. Partnership for business and personal growth
5. Opportunity for Talents and Skills sponsorship
6. Awards presentation to NYSC – SDGs Champions

Over 500 people from all works of life participated in the programme. Members of the Anambra Youth Network served in different categories as volunteers to ensure its success.