Today (August 12, 2019) marks International Youth Day and the Division of Sport and Youth Affairs has joined the worldwide celebrations.

“One of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation is a foundation upon which they can grow and develop into confident leaders and avid social contributors.  Education is a vital pillar of our efforts to realise this goal,” Secretary of Sport and Youth Affairs, Jomo Pitt, said.

The 2019 theme is “Transforming Education” with the objective of focusing on creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system worldwide.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), educational transformation encompasses investment in technology, holistic learning and innovation and an environment where creativity can flourish.

“It is necessary to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world by investing in our youth and their advancement,” Pitt said. “International Youth Day 2019 will examine how Governments, young people, youth-led and youth-focused organisations, as well as other stakeholders are transforming education so that it becomes a powerful tool to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The Division continues to spearhead initiatives and collaborate with Tobago’s youth-centric organisations to help the island’s young people achieve their potential through training, inclusive of life skills, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.