Hebe wants youths involved in projects

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday 19th December 2011

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
INVOLVING youths in community programmes can reduce the crime rate and boost social and economic development, National Youth Commissioner Johnson Hebe said.
Hebe said this after some national and provincial leaders invited to a youth programme failed to turn up.  
“Youth is a decentralised government agent. Leaders at all levels could utilise the skills and powers of youth to reduce crime by engaging them in social and economic development activities.” 
The Operesin Stopim Drug programme was launched two weeks ago in Kudjip, Jiwaka, by the Epri clan and police at Minj.
The initiative aims at reducing drug abuse, which is on the rise in Jiwaka.
The youths will help police in cracking down on drug trafficking and to report on drug-related incidences.
They will conduct community awareness to encourage others to take up income-generating activities.
Hebe said the National Youth Plan 2011-15, which was in line with the medium term development plan, covered law and order as a key policy area. Leaders at all levels were obliged to employ youths in development activities as the first step in reducing crime in the province and creating healthy lifestyles for the people. 
He commended the police and church leaders who attended the youth programme and urged community leaders to continue helping and moulding young people. 
“Every leader must make it a responsibility to engage youths to change their behaviour, attitude and bring positive change into their respective communities.”