Nanauka stresses youth linkage to national programmes
DODOMA: YOUTH Development Officers across the nation have been strongly encouraged to prioritise the accurate collection and maintenance of data regarding young people in their local communities.
This data should not only capture demographic information but also highlight the specific challenges faced by young individuals, such as access to education, employment and social services.
By keeping detailed records, the officers can ensure that their strategies and interventions are tailored to address the unique needs of each area, ensuring that no group of young people is left behind.
The call was made recently in the city by the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Youth Development), Mr Joel Nanauka, while opening a working session for Regional and Council Youth Development Officers from across the country.
Mr Nanauka said young people in Tanzania are facing various challenges, including unemployment, lack of productive jobs, and a mismatch between the education system and available opportunities in the labour market.
He said these challenges have negatively affected the welfare of young people and their contribution to national development, adding that the situation has also contributed to a decline in patriotism among some youths.
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“I urge you, as you carry out your duties, to ensure that you have accurate data on young people in your areas and the challenges they face. You must also ensure that you link them to all national programmes and opportunities available in your areas related to skills development, employment and economic empowerment,” said Mr Nanauka.
He explained that since his appointment to the position of serving citizens, particularly young people, he has conducted several tours aimed at gaining first-hand understanding of the real challenges facing youths across the country.
“We are gathered here to listen to the views of Youth Development Officers so that they understand the ministry’s philosophy so that we can work together in serving young people,” he said.
The minister emphasised that the ministry has adopted three guiding principles, Speed, Accessibility and Technology, explaining that these pillars aim to bring the ministry closer to young people, enhance efficiency and utilise technology to address their challenges.
He also urged the officers to strengthen collaboration with youth stakeholders in their respective areas by linking them with young people to deliver quick and sustainable results, while upholding accountability, integrity and proper use of resources allocated for youth programmes in their areas.
Meanwhile, the docket’s Permanent Secretary, Ms Jenifa Omolo, said the ministry is implementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of resolving youth challenges, stressing that Youth Development Officers should change their mindset and view young people as an opportunity rather than a problem.
The PS added that the ministry’s goal is to build the capacity of the officers so that they can keep pace with current changes and working speed, while recognising the importance of listening to youths’ views and challenges, collecting them and using them to develop joint national plans to address them.
Ms Omolo added that Youth Development Officers are a vital link between the central government and local government authorities in addressing youth development issues, and are responsible for implementing policies, guidelines, strategies, programmes and various youth development interventions in the country.
She further said the ministry is preparing an organisational structure and a strategic plan that will enable the ministry and Youth Development Officers at regional and council levels to effectively carry out their duties in serving young people.
“This is the first working session since the establishment of this new ministry, bringing together Youth Development Officers from all 26 regions and 184 councils across the country,” she said.
