Youth Policy - the young in to the heart of development

Milinda RAJAPAKSHA

The enthusiasm of energetic YOUTH!

Engaged in a sports activity

Some students engaged in studies

Some youth under vocational training

Until March of this year, Sri Lanka was the only country which worked with youth without a proper policy dedicated for them. Sri Lanka is having its ever largest youth population in hand, 5.6 million while experiencing the demographic bonus. This will not last for many years.

That is why, finally Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills development and National Youth Services Council sat with academics, professionals, youth civil organizations and many other stake holders to develop the first ever youth policy in Sri Lanka. Minister Dullas Alahapperuma appointed a multi stake holder steering committee to govern the process which included five youth representing different sectors.

Open University had taken the role of providing technical assistant while National Youth Services Council is coordinating the whole process with other partners of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development. This article is to briefly understand importance of Youth Policies for a country.

One third of Sri Lanka’s population is the young who in tern drive the country’s economy as its work force. When Sri Lanka reached 21 Million on its population this year and successfully ended the three decade long civil war we are at the verge of the demographic bonus. If Sri Lanka is to prosper and economically develop to catch up the emerging economies, now is the time.

The demographic bonus is a window of opportunity in a fast growing aging population like Sri Lanka. This means that we are at a stage where we have a higher number of older persons in the country’s workforce in comparison to the number of dependents. The increase in life expectancy and minors at the same time will start challenging the social protection system of the country; thereby give more and more pressure to the government in its expenditure in health, social security and social protection. It is now the time to lay the foundation for the future demanding Sri Lanka.

What is a Youth Policy?

A youth policy creates a framework for a country to provide resources, support and required services that will allow young people to fulfill their potential and contribute to the social, cultural and economic growth.

A national youth policy is a policy written and owned by a country - government, youth and other key stakeholders. It demonstrates that country’s commitment to, and strategic directions for, promoting and progressing the well being and participation of young people. Ideally, it has a vision and objectives to create opportunities for young people to become ‘skilled, healthy and productive members of society and specific strategies to translate policy into action.

Why develop a Youth Policy?

When good processes are followed, there is no question that the development of a national youth policy is of great value to any country. However, in the context of competing budgets and multiple priorities, governments and civil society sometimes need to be convinced about the importance of youth-specific policy.

Makes economic sense

Youth-focused policies can do a lot to strengthen future growth and investment, and protect existing industries and sectors. For example, a cross-sectorial policy could aim to provide services and incentives for young people that support them to remain in rural communities and be actively engaged in the rural economy.

Brings sectors together

Good youth policy will encourage key agents and ministries to work together, particularly in the areas of employment, health, education, poverty reduction, arts and culture, and gender issues. For example:

Drives priority issues

A youth focus drives areas of development that require urgent action in the region.

When prioritized by governments, the key issues that affect youth move these debates forward and - when based on solid evidence - can lead to policies that have the potential to significantly impact on concerns that are typical in the region. Policy in this case can create frameworks that reinforce the interconnectedness within a single issue, ‘for example reinforcing the connection between policies that help to both prevent unwanted pregnancy and prevent HIV/STI infection’.

Creates successful programmes

To make the best use of scarce public funding, policy makers need to invest in programmes and activities that, based on empirical evidence, have proven to be successful in achieving their intended goals.

Supports and commits to youth

An estimated 1.8 billion youth aged 10 to 24 years-old constitute more than a quarter of the world’s population, with just fewer than 90% living in developing countries. These young people need the support and commitment of governments, civil society and the private sector to fulfill their potential and navigate the challenges of their transition from childhood to adulthood.

Honours regional and international commitments

Policy gives direction to a country to provide the things they want for their young people: education at a level that matches their aspirations; employment opportunities; food and nutrition; good health and protection from disease, addiction and violence; human rights and equal opportunities; participation in decision-making processes; and places for culture, recreation and sport.

[email protected]