Take advantage of Covid-19 to make a change, NCCE boss advises the youth

The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Josephine Nkrumah, has advised the youth to take advantage of the novel coronavirus to make a change for the country and their lives.

Ms Nkrumah says while the virus may have become a challenge for the country, it also gives the youth the opportunity to become innovative and show their creative skills.

This, she believes, is what will draw the youth to the table and position them as relevant stakeholders for nation building.

Speaking at this year’s International Youth Day Conference, organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA) at the Alisa Hotel on Friday, the NCCE boss stated that the time has come for the youth to harness the opportunities technology brings to make a meaningful impact. She indicated that the youth must see themselves as a generation that matters and pay attention to critical national issues. She also urged them to stay engaged on relevant national discourse and make informed choices that can make positive impact on the country.

Describing the youth as “determinants of political outcomes”, Ms Nkrumah reiterated the call made by many on them not to become “tools of violence”, especially in this election year.

Make positive impacts

Also speaking at the programme, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, advised the youth to position themselves as people who have something positive to offer when given the opportunity.

He indicated that while the call for inclusion of youth on relevant national issues is in the right direction, what the youth have to offer is what will show their relevance.

“Who you know can get you through the door, but what you know keeps you in the room. You can be the child of the President and he may give you all the opportunity, but if you add nothing meaningful to the table, you will be kicked out,” he said.

He advised the youth to stop being their own enemies and support one another to progress.