PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (Ministry ECYS) Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, in a pre-International Youth Day Message, Wednesday, 12 August, congratulates the nation’s youth on their internationally recognized day, and at the same time calls on them to engage in their community.
On 17 December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 54/120, endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.
The theme for 2015 is ‘Youth Civic Engagement.’ The engagement and participation of youth is essential to achieve sustainable human development.
“Our youth are among our nation’s most valuable resources. Government renews its commitment in our young people in all aspects of their development. I encourage our youths to devote their energies and ideas into civic engagement.
“Civic engagement is when young people are involved in responsible, challenging activities to create positive social change. Youth engagement is a central corner stone of youth development. Youth civic engagement prepares young people to be active citizens in a democracy.
“I encourage our young people to join youth movements and student groups, and help out with activities being organized in our community by volunteering their time. The reward is not money, but the satisfaction of helping and giving back to your community.
“I also take this opportunity to commend those who have been volunteering their time and continue to do so. Have a happy international youth day 2015,” Minister Bourne-Gumbs concluded.
