UNFPA boss calls for youth empowerment

May 18, 2017

“We must do more to ensure that all young people are able to freely access reproductive health information and services.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country representative  Alain Sibenaler, has  called for collective youth empowerment if the country is to transform into a middle income country.

He made the remarks at Hana International School,Nsangi,Wakiso district, when he addressed 700 youth who had gathered to attend the Annual Youth Camp organised by Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) and other stakeholders.

"We must do more to ensure that all young people are able to freely access reproductive health information and services. This camp that you are attending and the creative performances are some of the ways to do that," he noted.

Sibenaler also emphasized that when Uganda's young people are empowered healthy and educated then the country stands a better chance of developing and transforming.

He as well advised the parents in grooming youth into future leaders.

"You need to reflect on the how you as young people can shape the future of Uganda. You are a force that cannot be ignored," Sibenaler said.

Nigerian music  star Chidinma Okeke 20, of the hit song 'Fallen in love' advised youth to maximise the value of education to enable them harness their talents.

 "Having a talent such as dancing and singing should not be a passport for you to drop out of school. Besides that, when you have your academic qualifications, your chances of earning from your talent and the work you qualified for are high," Chidinma stressed.

The crooner cautioned youth to desist from talking shortcuts in trying to achieve their goals but stick to the right path.

"Right now, you are young and have a talent. When you pursue talent and abandon education, it will be hard to get back to school," she explained.

She noted that through her career path in education, she has been able to meet and communicate and make business proposals in English a reason for her success at her age.

Chidinma is a musician, model, business lady and women rights activist running a charity to empower women against exploitation.

Humphrey Nabimanya, the team leader RAHU tasked parents to take initiative and talk to their children about reproductive health.

Paul Mbigo, a peer Educator also an upcoming artist, warned fellow youth against entering relationships when they are not ready and prepared for the eventualities.

Timothy Padde, a youth champion, cited the formula the youth must adapt, saying it is a guarantee of success.

"There are four types of dresses, the School Uniform, the graduation gown, Wedding dress and maternity that any girl is supposed to follow in order to have stable families," he emphasised                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

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