Gov’t’ll support youth to be world-ready – Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, has said the government will offer the youth of Ghana every support necessary to make them “world ready” to compete with their peers on the global front.
In his Special Guest of Honour’s address at the 2018 Forum of the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards, the first to be held in West Africa, under the theme; “Shaping the World, Shaping Our Future,” President Akufo Addo said his administration is “working actively to map a plan along the three strategic pathways of reach, assess and impact to reach a minimum of five hundred thousand young people within a period of five years, equip them with the requisite skills and prepare them for life.”
“This is our modest contribution towards making these Ghanaian youths world-ready, who will help shape the world and shape our future,” the President said.
The President added that he was happy to be at the Forum because he was looking into the eye of the future.
“Each one of you,” President Akufo Addo said, “reminds me of the fact that all of us, leaders and citizenry alike, must work harder to ensure that knowledge becomes the backbone of the modern economy for prosperity.”
His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, in his address, indicated that he is looking forward to the several suggestions and thoughts which would be made and expressed at the Forum in order to help improve the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards. He registered his sincere thanks to the President and the people of Ghana for hosting the 2018 Forum.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum takes place every three years and brings together leaders from within The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation. Delegates usually include association members – those who deliver the Award on a national basis (National Award Operators), members of the Association’s International Council, emerging leader representatives, and other guests invited by the Foundation, including donors, partners, and other Award operators.
The Forum enables the Foundation to discuss the development of the Award with members of the Association and to consult with them on new policies and plans. Together they review their progress and discuss how they can ensure that the Award equips more young people for life and work. Full members of the Association are given the opportunity to vote on recommendations put to them by the International Council.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is also known as DofE, The Head of State Award, The President’s Award Scheme, The International Award for Young People, and the Governor General’s Youth Award. The Award is available to all 14-24-year-olds and is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It equips young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills, and interests. Doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their personal limits and recognises their achievements.
Since its launch over 60 years ago, the Award has inspired millions of young people to transform their lives. Through nonformal education, the Award can play a critical role in a young person’s personal development and is achievable by any 14-24 year old who wants to take up the challenge.
Source:Ghana/ClassFMonline.com
