The youths and students of the country have the full ability and will to drive change, and further bring innovative solutions to national and global needs. I see you as catalysts to the process of peace and stability, as you have nurtured strong values of harmony and social cohesion, said the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, this evening, at the Saint-Esprit College in Quatre Bornes.
He was participating in the launching of the National Forum for Colleges Mauritius (NAFCO). To mark the event, he also proceeded to the planting of a tree, the Marble Ebony, in the yard of the school.
Furthermore, in his address, the Prime Minister stated that he welcomed the creation of this student-led organisation which will enable the voice of students to be heard in a structured manner. They will be able to communicate their concerns and proposals for action to the relevant authorities, he added.
The NAFCO, he highlighted, is providing students with an ideal platform to foster a fruitful dialogue and to translate their wishes and discussions into actions. On that score, he encouraged them to become innovators and to bring forth fresh perspectives and discuss with their peers about the goals they want to achieve.
Moreover, Prime Minister Jugnauth stressed that the Government needs the feedback of the youths whom he recalled are stakeholders. Through this common platform, we can now align your efforts to support the different causes that we both believe in, added Mr Jugnauth.
According to him, it is by working together that sustainable solutions to many issues and challenges will be found.
He urged all youths to become agents of change to build a sustainable future as well as advocates and partners in economic and social changes and dwelt on the need for urgent climate actions.
Speaking about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, he underpinned the need to foster a sustainable peaceful community and called upon the young leaders to place the task of maintaining social harmony at the core of their agenda.
Besides, the Prime Minister laid emphasis on the need for youngsters to engage in sports activities to sustain a culture of health through sports.
Also present on the occasion, the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, reiterated the resolve of Government to give voice to youngsters, get their views and learn about their expectations. She recalled that the Prime Minister has taken the responsibility to meet Head Girls and Boys of colleges and ensured the setting up of the National Youth Environment Council to provide the youth with an opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process regarding the protection of the environment.
The Vice-Prime Minister expressed her conviction that the young students can make valuable contribution and bring important perspectives on different issues.
The platform, she stated, will be of tremendous help to have the vocalised views of youngsters and help identify the challenges of today’s youths. It will also bring forth discussion on key issues, find solutions on key debates, provide for peer-counselling, and shed light on key modern needs such as technical and digital learning, affirmed Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun.
