THE National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PNG Scouts Association to strengthen youth programs in the districts.
The MoU now allows for Provincial Governments, Districts, Local Level Government youth councils, youth groups and associations to use PNG Scouts Halls and facilities Nationwide for their programs at no cost.
PNG Scouts will now conduct Scouts training programs and recruitment at the District and LLG level within the youth network.
NYDA Director General Joe Itaki said this will open up opportunities for unemployed youths to be engaged in meaningful programs tailored at instilling discipline.
Me Itaki said the PNG Scouts Association will deliver NYDA programs at their footprint districts in relation to capacity building and good governance programs. They will recruit youth leaders as scouts as commanders respectively.
He said the National Youth Policy calls for the engagement of youth in leadership roles at the subnational Level. This partnership will work towards scouting youths to be potential leaders of tomorrow- a strong flat form to shape youth behaviors.
Mr Itaki further stated that through this partnership, the NYDA envisage to cultivate a new crop of youth leaders in districts, who will then take ownership of development coming on stream.
He said the PNG Girl Guides Association will also be absorbed under this arrangement.
“We invite all district youth councils nationwide to utilize this MOU for their full benefit through the engagement of the youths at the LLG level. Our focus is on Districts and LLGs as that is where the bulk of the Youth population is located,” Mr Itaki said.