On the day of 12 August, this day is celebrated to recognize the effort of youth generation and their contribution is World Youth Day (WYD).This day is observed to celebrate the voices, slogans, actions and initiatives of the young people. Let us discuss the issues the youths are facing &opt for a solution. Let’s aim to encourage them & involve them in making a positive contribution to society.
The day was first introduced in 1999 to regulation 54/120 on December 17. The first WYD held to continue the church’s traditions, spirituality in Rome on Palm Sunday. Even though it isn’t an official holiday, some countries do see it has a public holiday including Cameroon & South Africa.
The theme of 2020 is to highlight the different ways to attract the young generation at the local, national & global levels with enriching national & multilateral institutions and processes. “Youth encouragement for global action” seeks to draw some lessons. One of them is how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.
1. Trust Building–Motto is to bring together youth people’s from every corner of the world to entrust the future to them. It is not just about the future, the young generation also holds the power of advancing society. So, it is not just a gathering, it is about inspiring them. Also, putting trust in things that are yet to come.
2. Make pilgrimage – This is also a great way to meet others and get to know them. World Youth Day is celebrated locally or internationally, is a pilgrimage reflecting the path that young people continue to go throughout their entire life.
3. Encounter the catholic community – World Youth Day goes beyond “being in contact” and gives youth’s a personal encounter with the International catholic community that can’t be accessed virtually. It also gives the opportunity to utilize the moment and equip them self for the future.
The WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and the Human Reproduction Program (HRP) applies the principles of meaningful youth engagement, particularly with work on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (ASRHR). Lots of exciting events in forms of sports, games, seminars, workshops held to preach, encourage and educate our youths.
World Youth Day is not just a common day, rather its importance is signified and can be impactful in our future. Let us stand beside our youth, hear their voices, support their activism module and lend our resources to make them shine globally.