Anniversaries of Commonwealth Youth Programme, Commonwealth Youth Council celebrated with launch of Virtual Museum
August 18by Bryan Obaji
The birth of a child gives joy to every parent and the nurturing of children brings an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Although 10 years may not be enough time to judge success, based on the attainment of certain milestones, it is indeed enough time to know if one is on the right path. This is indeed the story of Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) birthed two decades ago.
This youth-led organisation, which serves as a remarkable voice of over 1.5 billion young people in the Commonwealth, has undergone significant evolution influenced by experience, feedback, engagement and alliance. Undoubtedly this youth front has been pivotal in creating environments where young people of diverse cultures and backgrounds are united by common interest through dialogue and a call to action.
In truth, the CYC is living the dream of it founders. Little wonder, the remarks of Layne Robinson, the Head of Social Policy Development, were filled with excitement. He was speaking on August 12, 2024 at an event in London to mark the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the 10th anniversary of the CYC and the launch of a Virtual Museum.
The 10th anniversary of the CYC can be likened to the moment when a proud father witnesses his 10-year-old child bag multiple awards for excellence. It is evident that The CYC is creating an impact across The Commonwealth; this is seen in its effort to influence policy and foster youth inclusion in decision-making processes both at local and international levels.
While the celebration of 10 years brings renewed hope, it is even more exciting that the future begins now, with a robust inclusion of young people in areas where their competence will be valuable. Unfortunately, many young people have resorted to aggression in order pass this message. Regrettably, news from Kenya, Bangladesh and Nigeria in recent times have been characterised by violence, agitations and government high handedness. It is important that young people are reminded of their rights, which do not include destruction and total breakdown of law and order.
Undeniably, the CYC are truly advocates for the inclusion of young people in board room discussions where their future is being decided. Dr Terri-Ann Gilbert-Roberts, Research Manager in the Social Policy Development Section, in her remarks reiterated the fact that a section of the young feel left out in opportunities to serve. Beyond doubt, many young people are spectators in areas where they are proficient.
‘‘There’s no lack of genius amongst our young people, rather there’s lack of opportunity,” said Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC at the event. This gives credence to the many achievements of youths within The Commonwealth and beyond, and how much effort they exert to improve on themselves and their environment.
Formal opportunities to engage remain generally limited and ring fenced by conditions that favour the privileged and the well connected.
Dr Terri-Ann Gilbert-Roberts
Dr Gilbert-Roberts reminds us that ‘‘formal opportunities to engage remain generally limited and ringfenced by conditions that favour the privileged and the well connected.’’ This conversation will continue for a long time until the gap is bridged. Giving opportunities to diverse groups with a focus on interest that generates mutual benefit, would not always be like a walk in the park. In fact, it is even more difficult to disrupt the traditional ways, especially when it involves transmitting power to the younger generation.
Nineteen-year-old Cici Manwa, one of the United Kingdom’s youngest councillors, in a panel discussion to mark the 10th anniversary of CYC spoke about the many hurdles she overcame while getting involved in politics; even as a young councillor the story isn’t very different. Citing the most recent riot in the UK where her voice, added to thousands of others, helped to calm the situation, she was faced with an attempt by the authorities to decide what her statement should sound like.
The Commonwealth Secretariat truly is leading by example. Its involvement with young people over the last 50 years is shown in its collaboration with member countries, groups and individuals to develop youth friendly policies and infrastructure that are fit for purpose. Noteworthy is the recent launch of a virtual museum that showcases the achievements of young people. With the assistance of Museum of Diversity, storytelling of The Commonwealth Youth Programme has been advanced using virtual reality.
The involvement of 23 young talented minds from 14 countries across five regions of the Commonwealth, who are experienced in youth work and are passionate about history in somewhat of an unknown territory for most of them, is testament to The Secretariat’s campaign for youth led activities. This gives even more validity to Dr Gilbert-Roberts’s point that young people’s propensity for risk taking outweighs that of any other demographic, which ultimately is valuable.
As a 10-year-old child begins to understand his/her influence and starts contributing in meaningful ways, adjusting to environments, and becomes more open to new experience, so too, the CYC is becoming adaptable to new ideas, evolving to fit new circumstances both challenging and inspiring. The reach of The CYC is vast; it has many years ahead to grow, learn and develop into its full potential, the future is open with limitless opportunities to what can be achieved.
