Pledges made by EALA and EAC Secretariat on Youth Empowerment

MARCH 27th 2009 Ministers responsible for Social Development recommended to the Council of Ministers to approve the establishment of a Sectoral Council which includes Youth, Children, Gender and Community Development. Establishment of an East Africa Community Youth Council to mainstream youth issues in all development policies and programmes. Establishment of an East Africa Women Council to mainstream gender issues in all development policies and programmes. Establishment of a Youth and Children position under existing EAC Administrative Structure within FY 2009/2010. The EAC Gender and Community Development Department has requested a budget for an annual Youth Exchange Programme for sharing new opportunities and best practices in business and technology. Formulation of a harmonized comprehensive regional policy that provides for a binding framework for effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of youth programmes and projects Empowering the Youth so that they can fully participate and benefit from the regional economic, social and political integration. Establishment of a regional mechanism that will promote and sustain youth culture, values, morals and ethics. Implementing mechanisms of the strategy have also been formulated. EAC is preparing, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, and the Extraordinary Summit on Employment Creation and Poverty Reduction with a special focus on Youth Employment. Availing opportunities for the youth to directly participate in the EAC activities through internships, short consultancies, research, etc at the EAC and EALA headquarters.