To shape a better future for boys, the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD) has called on the government and development partners to promote educational participation among boys nationwide.
Speaking, the founder of GAIYD, Amb. Dr. Hillary Akpua said we are committed to empowering the boy child through various programs and initiatives aimed at skill-building, mentorship, and formal and non-formal educational support.
Akpua highlighted International Youth Day (IYD), a day dedicated to raising awareness about youth-related issues and celebrating young people’s potential as vital societal partners.
The theme for 2025, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” highlights the power of young people to take meaningful action in their communities while contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We are determined to equip young boys with skills such as fashion design, ICT, agriculture, photography, and culinary arts,” he said.”
According to the United Nations, among children aged 10–19, one in seven experiences a mental disorder. Nearly six in ten ten-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read or comprehend a simple paragraph.
Akpua emphasised the importance of mental health awareness and the need for mentorship and educational support. He stated that youth are crucial for innovation, civic engagement, and social justice, and their contributions are essential to sustainable development.
“At GAIYD, we strive to make quality education accessible to all boys, regardless of their background or financial situation. Through scholarships, school support programs, and educational workshops, we provide the knowledge and skills they need to shape their futures,” he added.
As development partners work to localise and implement the global goals, aligning them with community needs while maintaining consistency with national and international commitments, young people must be recognised as critical partners.
They bring creativity, insight, and deep community connections that help bridge the gap between policy and practice. With over 65% of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is not a luxury but a necessity.
This year’s International Youth Day emphasises the essential role of local and regional governments. Being closest to their communities, they are uniquely positioned to create inclusive policy environments, allocate resources, and establish mechanisms for youth participation in local planning and decision-making.
Authorities can collaborate with young people to transform their ideas into impactful solutions by integrating youth priorities into local and regional strategies and fostering partnerships with youth organisations.
“When local governments provide spaces for innovation, mentorship, and civic engagement, they not only accelerate SDG implementation but also nurture future community leaders and changemakers,” he said.
International Youth Day continues to serve as a guiding framework for recognising youth as key actors in sustainable development and participatory governance, principles directly reflected in this year’s theme.
As the world enters the final stretch toward the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, IYD 2025 calls for real investments in inclusive policies and programs that leverage local youth actions for global impact.
Observed annually on August 12, International Youth Day provides a platform for governments, civil society, and organisations to address the challenges of youth and recognise their valuable contributions to global development.
In conclusion, he highlighted the global challenges and opportunities facing youth and emphasised the importance of promoting youth engagement in development, peacebuilding, and societal progress.
