”The smartest investment any country could make is to invest in its youth. That’s true in all countries around the world. That’s even more true in developing countries, where 90 percent of young people today are found.”
– Ahmad Alhendawi, United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth
This Wednesday, 12 August marks International Youth Day — a day to bring attention to youth who are making a difference in the world and to encourage young people’s inclusive participation. This year’s theme — Youth Civic Engagement — focuses on promoting youth participation and civic engagement in politics and public life, so that young people can be empowered and bring a full contribution to society, development and peace.
Today’s youth make up a quarter of the population. Yet in many parts of the world, young people — especially girls — don’t have access to basic education, health services and employment opportunities. The Hunger Project knows the importance of youth and their role in ending hunger and poverty. That’s why youth leadership training and education are central to many of our programs.
In Bangladesh, The Hunger Project “Youth Ending Hunger Leaders” bring the creativity of young people to the center, meeting in chapters across the country to plan activities to improve their communities with an emphasis on education. In Benin, our youth mobilisation strategy focuses on working with thousands of young people on community projects.
Celebrate International Youth Day by letting your voice be heard: today’s youth will shape our political, economic and social developments in the years to come and their participation is critical.
How can you celebrate Youth Day 2015?
- Read more about Youth Day
- Follow along and learn about the importance of youth by searching and using the hashtag #YouthDay. Twitter: @HungerProjectUK | Instagram: @TheHungerProjectUK
- Encourage your local schools or groups to increase their involvement programmes that support youth civic engagement
- Give now to support youth leadership and education
- Join the Live Below the Line challenge. £1 a day for all food on drink, in solidarity with young people living below the poverty line, and consider donating what you would have spent
- Join us as a Team Hunger volunteer
- Learn about our work and Rethink World Hunger
#Youth leaders in #Bangladesh meet to take action & bring change to their communities #YouthPower #IYD2015 pic.twitter.com/9dM656URNO
— The Hunger Project (@HungerProjectUK) August 11, 2015