NEPAD e-Africa Youth Programme established
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Johannesburg, South Africa, 12 April 2006: Participants from various African countries, who gathered here, 11-12 April 2006, formed a NEPAD e-Africa Youth Programme, whose main objective is to build a cadre of young people who will raise awareness on issues of the Information Society and serve as active participants in building an inclusive Information Society in their countries and on the African continent.
Conducted by NEPAD e-Africa Commission - the advisory body of NEPAD Heads of States and Government Implementation Committee (HSGIC) on ICT related matters - in conjunction with Department of Communications, the meeting had aim of sharing views on the involvement of youth in ICTs. Says Director General, Department of Communications, “The South African Government, and especially the Department of Communications places a lot of emphasis on ICTs as an enabler of development and sees the NEPAD e-Africa Youth Programme as an opportunity to fulfill its dream of making sure the young explore the many ICT applications and uses”. A first for NEPAD, this meeting follows an earlier meeting by the same parties held, 27-28 June 2005, at Limpopo, South Africa, to engage African youth in dialogue on their involvement in the information society. Says Dr Henry Chasia, the Executive Deputy Chairperson, NEPAD e-Africa Commission, “It is wonderful to have this programme because it is addressing a very important age group, the youth, who are the majority of Africans. Most of the programmes on NEPAD focus on the young people because we focus on the present and future.” Participants came from Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritius, South Africa, and Tunisia. The meeting was also attended by observers and the youth group. “NEPAD e-Africa Commission is determined to ensure that the youth, through this programme, are empowered to articulate their contribution to the information society in order to reduce the digital divide”, Dr Chasia added. The meeting came up with NEPAD e-Africa Youth Programme governance structures, roles, terms of reference and rules of procedures. A 3-year programme was agreed upon, which would be presented for adoption at the official launch of the programme that would coincide with the main NEPAD Youth Summit to be held in June 2006. The meeting agreed to foster partnerships with governments, business and civil society. The programme would be linked to the flagship NEPAD e-schools programme and Governments would form the programme focal points in their respective countries. Programme Internet Portal Formed The youth formed an internet portal for information sharing on matters such as career guidance, skills development, learning materials and funding mechanisms. The portal would also address health and poverty issues and would be in English, French, Portuguese and Arabic languages. The youth said they would ensure success of the programme, working closely with their respective governments and NEPAD e-Africa Commission. “We need to go back and implement this innovative program and give pride to Africa. This portal will help us share our experiences, using ICT, across the continent”, said Gladys Muthoni, one of the participants from Kenya. The purpose of the NEPAD ICT Programme (NEPAD e-Africa Commission) is to accelerate development of ICT infrastructure, and impart ICT skills. It is also intended to bridge digital divide in Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world. For more information, please contact: Samuel Mikenga Communications Manager, NEPAD e-Africa Commission Pretoria, South Africa Tel: 0725 296 769 (mobile) Tel: 012 841 4523 (office) |
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