(NewsWatch Cameroon)-The President of the Republic has
assured the youth about the progress of the country and the continuous efforts
of the Government to provide jobs and other opportunities that will provide
them with better living conditions. In the traditional Youth Day speech,
President Paul BIYA also called on the youths to emulate the example of those
who fought for the independence and reunification of the country so that future
generations can have enough food to eat, live in decent houses and have access
to good medical attention. (See full address below)
HEAD OF STATE’S MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH ON THE OCCASION
OF THE 48TH EDITION OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY
My dear young
compatriots,
Last year, under the
same circumstances, I told you that I was aware of your doubts and worries
about an uncertain future. But I added that we had reason to hope and that, to
me, the country’s prospects seemed brighter.
Recent trends in
employment statistics seem to bear me out.
The 2013 forecasts for
new jobs stood at 200 000. The number of jobs actually created was about 12%
higher, reaching nearly 225 000. Private enterprises in various sectors, alone,
provided 165 000 jobs. For its part, the Administration, through its different
branches, provided 60 000 jobs.
Higher targets have
been set for 2014. With the possible increase in the country’s growth rate, we
hope to create more than 250 000 new jobs. Of course, this will not benefit
only the youth. However, one can surmise that they will be the main
beneficiaries.
This vision stems from
a logical analysis of the situation of our economy which is expected to grow by
about 5% in the coming months. In this regard, I expressed my view a few weeks
ago. I still believe that we can do better. I am strongly convinced that we
will.
My dear young
compatriots,
In this race for
growth which, in 20 years, should set our country on the path to economic
emergence, you have a vital role, a crucial role to play.
In the coming years,
who will build our:
-major energy,
agricultural and industrial projects;
-road, port and
aviation infrastructure;
-water supply and
electricity distribution works;
-thousands of low-cost
houses;
-hospitals and health
centres;
-primary and secondary
schools and universities?
You, of course, my
dear compatriots.
Therefore, you should
right now start preparing yourselves seriously for this task, whether in
primary school, secondary school or university. We need and will need thousands
of skilled workers, qualified technicians, excellent engineers, competent
accountants and salespersons, and so on. Our educational system at its
different levels had already opted for professionalization. We will soon
witness its impact, which you will find remarkable.
Those who have already
entered the work force and who are practising the trades learned “on the job”
will need more training opportunities. As we expect a revival of our economy,
we should be capable of meeting the demand for many specialists in various
trades. We can no longer be content with supplying mere labourers, leaving the
best jobs to others. Such better-trained professionals will join the ranks of
craftsmen who are in high demand.
Last year, using the
example of motorcycle taxi riders who play an obvious social role, I
underscored the need to organize this profession. I am pleased to note that
government services, following consultations with stakeholders, have developed
a collective mentoring programme. By so doing, motorcycle taxi riders will be
able to participate more - and better - in our national development projects.
This programme
involves various aspects of this profession, notably training, management and
organization. Perhaps this experiment can be replicated in other informal sector
activities.
My dear young
compatriots,
I equally expressed my
concern about the decline in public morality in our country. I deplored the
fact that the youth, who are our most valuable asset, our future and the future
of our country, have not been spared. I commend Government’s prompt response to
this alert through the holding of an international conference on the theme in
Yaounde. Its ambitious objective is to “make Cameroon an exemplary country.
This objective concerns us all to the utmost level: parents, teachers,
religious authorities.
Respect for public
morality also means commitment to national integration which is the cement of
our Nation. Furthermore, it means attachment to the rules of democracy, a model
that we have chosen in order to build a just and cohesive society. This affords
me the opportunity to hail the high turnout of the youth in the election of 30
September and the election of some of their peers into the National Assembly
and council executives.
I also wish to express
my satisfaction with the refocusing of the activities of the National Civic
Service for Participation in Development Agency. The new leadership in place
should improve the mentoring of the first 6 000 volunteers trained. In this
regard, I also wish to recall that in 2013, the Rural and Urban Youth Support
Programme with its Youth Socio-economic Integration Project through the
Manufacture of Sports Equipment, contributed, through its supervision, to
creating 1 000 jobs. These came to add to the 225 000 that I mentioned earlier
on.
Regarding the general
youth policy, I would like to welcome the election of new executives of the
National Youth Council at both the national and local levels. Through these
elections, which were conducted satisfactorily, the Cameroonian youth showed
that they are part and parcel of our lofty vision which is to make Cameroon an
emerging country by 2035. In this respect, the Government has established more
than 400 multi-purpose youth promotion centres in subdivisions and divisions.
Such mobilization will continue in the months ahead.
My dear young
compatriots,
As you can see, things
are happening in Cameroon. The momentum is building and it is irreversible. You
will be its main actors.
Before concluding, I
would like all of us to go fifty to sixty years down memory lane. This is
History, you may say. Yes, but perhaps we have not learned all the lessons from
it.
During that period of
turmoil, those who dreamed of independence and national unity were young people
like you. They differed in many respects: ideology, party, strategy and
tactics. But the goal was clear: FREEDOM. And many engaged in this struggle
putting their lives on the line.
Today, the stakes are
different. Although the commitment I expect from you does not require you to
make the ultimate sacrifice, it is nonetheless crucial. It is about enabling
our country to reach a level of development such that every Cameroonian can:
live decently on his work, raise his children properly, and have decent housing
and protection from disease.
My young compatriots,
such is the task before you.
When, in a few weeks,
we celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of Reunification which complements our
Independence, I urge you to spare a thought for those who sacrificed their
lives for you to be able to live in a society of freedom and progress.
Happy Youth Day to you
all.
Long live Cameroonian
youth!
Long live Cameroon!
Source: www.prc.cm
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