Department, province to host youth games

By ROSELYN ELLISON
THE Department of Community Development and Religion and Kokopo’s district administration are preparing for the inaugural New Guinea Islands (NGI) Youth Games which is scheduled to be held in the East New Britain (ENB) capital in September.
During the signing of the host contract and launching of the Games, Kokopo MP Emil Tammur said the concept was an initiative of the National Youth Development Authority, Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation, and the Department of Community Development and Religion.
Tammur said ENB was privileged to stage the Games.
He said the country was affected by social issue as many youths were unable to find jobs after leaving school.
“Around 40,000 youths came out from secondary and high schools as Grade 10 and 12 leavers,” Tammur said.
“All these youths are left unemployed in our villages, local level governments, towns and cities.
“I am thankful that we have this programme to help address some of the issues we are facing today.
“These issues are mainly caused by our youths and Kokopo is one examples of such as we have experienced law and order issues.
“We can’t stop law and order issues that are caused by youths.
“But as leaders at all levels, we can help minimise this problem and sports are one avenue to involve youths so they can refrain from causing problems.”
Tammur urged the provincial government and the administrations of all four districts to work together to solve some of the issues.