YOUTHS make up a large percentage of the population in the Gazelle electorate and being the most productive, they need much guidance and support, says local MP Jelta Wong.
As the chairman of Gazelle District Development Authority board, Minister Wong has decided to promote change in the attitude of people, in particular youths who usually turn to bad habits.
In late 2020, the Gazelle District Development Authority board approved a five-year youth and sports integrated development plan designed in a more decentralized way that will see sports and youth activities introduced to communities at the ward level.
The plan is similar to the backyard sports concept focusing on youth and sports for integral human development socially, spiritually and economically.
The youth and sports integrated plan hopes to create change in the district youth population and will promote gender equality and social inclusion.
Minister Wong spoke more on this backyard sports concept during a sporting event at Tavuiliu ward in Central Gazelle LLG last weekend.
Mr Wong said this concept is a holistic approach not only to empower but also to address the break down in social values contributing to the law and order issues widely experienced in the communities.
He noted that youth and sports in the past have experienced huge reduction in funding towards its respective programs despite the enormous demands by the youth population in the communities thus the intervention by the Gazelle DDA through the youth and sports integrated plan.
He said Gazelle district has the potential in sports development with the district producing some of the best athletes in East New Britain and the country.
Mr Wong said under the plan, youths and sports will be the main drive in sustaining the tourism industry in the district.