The Republic of Djibouti celebrated National and African Youth Day on November 1st, under the high patronage of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh. The event, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, youth leaders, and community members. The celebration aimed to highlight the importance of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in the country's development. This year's theme, "From Know-how to Self-Employment," focused on converting skills into economic opportunities and entrepreneurial initiatives.

The ceremony featured the awarding of the Grand Prize of the Head of State, "Youth Initiative," which recognizes outstanding youth achievements in entrepreneurship and innovation. The prize received over 200 applications from across the country. President Guelleh and First Lady Kadra Mahamoud Haid attended the event, along with Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, government ministers, and other dignitaries. The celebration showcased the country's commitment to investing in its youth and promoting their participation in national development.

A theatrical performance, "Arawelo," was presented by young Djiboutian talents, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage. The play revisited the legend of Arawelo, a cultural icon in the Horn of Africa. The performance demonstrated the role of youth in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. The event also featured a speech by Minister of Youth and Culture Fardoussa Moussa Egueh, who emphasized the government's support for youth entrepreneurship and creativity.

Minister Egueh highlighted the government's initiatives to promote youth development, including a historic allocation of 1.8 billion Djibouti francs to support youth entrepreneurship. She encouraged young people to transform their skills into concrete projects and seize opportunities provided by the government. The minister also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting creative industries.

President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh reiterated the central role of youth in the country's development vision. He acknowledged the progress made in education and infrastructure but noted that more work needs to be done. The President emphasized the government's commitment to providing young people with the means to participate fully in national construction.

The celebration of National and African Youth Day in Djibouti underscores the country's focus on youth empowerment and development. The event provided a platform for young people to showcase their talents and initiatives. The government's investments in education, training, and entrepreneurship aim to equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to drive national growth.

The theme of this year's celebration, "From Know-how to Self-Employment," reflects the government's efforts to address the challenges faced by young people in accessing employment opportunities. The event demonstrated the country's commitment to supporting its youth and promoting their participation in shaping the nation's future.

Key points

  • The government of Djibouti has allocated 1.8 billion Djibouti francs to support youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
  • The Grand Prize of the Head of State, "Youth Initiative," received over 200 applications from across the country.
  • The celebration of National and African Youth Day in Djibouti emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.