There are about 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10-24 in the world, making up the largest population of youth to ever exist. Similarly, 57% of the Ghanaian population are young people under the age of 25. Without a doubt, it is imperative that issues pertaining to the youth are brought to the attention of the international community. This is the reason for the annual commemoration of the International Youth Day.
On this day, the immense potential of the youth as agents of change in the global society is celebrated. It serves as an annual celebration and reminder of the role of young women and men in the world and also raises awareness of the unique challenges they face.
This year’s theme, “Transforming Education” highlights efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible for all youth, including efforts by the youth themselves. Rooted in Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals– to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” – International Youth Day 2019 will examine how governments, young people and youth-led and youth-focused organizations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education so that it becomes a powerful tool to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Through its comprehensive sexuality education, with funding from the United Nations Population Fund, the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights continues to engage adolescents on issues of reproductive and sexual health and rights. Programmes like this are transformative tools in the lives of many disenfranchised young people in Ghana. On this day, ARHR recognizes the importance of including the youth in development programmes and providing them with equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
