Young People want to be heard

By Joel Besekezi

Young People in the Commonwealth member countries still feel their say is not given enough attention. They claim to encounter a number of predicaments which are not looked into by those in aithority, who happen naturally to be the older ones. However, they were grateful to the Commonwealth Youth Forum which gave them an avenue to air their grievances and be part of decision making in their various countries. These were the views of some of the young people that came to the people’s space at Hotel Africana.

Among the students present were those from the Aga Khan Foundation Education Services, in particular, the Aga Khan High School. Under one of the most vibrant units of the school, the Creativity Action and Service (CAS), the students were able to showcase their services to the community. Among other projects, they have helped set up a school in Mukono, Uganda. The students also exhibited how they aid the community in policy making, and how to embrace local culture and traditions.

Anisha, one of the students, said they are able to do all this courtesy of their good up-bringing by the school. Andrew, the students’ leader, noted that they have been able to have mpact in 5 districts due to the good quality of education they access. Kamal, another student said that but for the Youth Forum, they would not have had any avenues through which to express them selves. Christopher Onyango, the program coordinator expressed gratitude to the organizers of the Commonwealth People’s Space for bearing young people in mind and giving them this opportunity to publicise their views.

You can hear a short interview with Christopher.

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