The Greater Accra Youth Network, marking the International Youth Day, has called on government to actively engage youth in the development of educational policies.
The network bemoaned the inclusion of youth in the formulation and implementation of such policies.
“We have noted that the youth are not deliberately and meaningfully consulted and engaged in the formulation and implementation of education policies. In order to assess the meaningfulness and success of educational policies, we need to consider how youth voices and engagement (as students, citizens, leaders and partners) are taken up in these initiatives.”
The network reiterated that the youth who are primary beneficiaries of education should be engaged in education policy development which is normally reserved for experts.
The inclusion will strengthen accountability to help improve education quality in the country.
In a press statement, the group stated that:
To address these issues effectively, the government need the youth to be positioned as ‘knowers’ and ‘actors’ who have the right to participate as students, citizens and partners in educational policies, practices and reforms. We as youth, also recognize our participation in education reform as a justice issue. Our experience shows that, contrary to common-sense notions that youth are ‘apathetic’ and ‘disengaged,’ when given the opportunity to collaborate as partners and leaders, we will show clearly, we are as knowers and actors
This year’s theme for International Youth Day, “Transforming Education” seeks to highlight efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible for all youth, including efforts by youth themselves.
Education which forms the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) states that, ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
