A YOUTH is defined as a citizen between the ages of 15 and 35 and represents a vital human resource for national development. The future of the country depends on the capabilities of its youth. Therefore, to ensure a prosperous future and to compete effectively on the international stage, it is essential to enhance the capacities of young people.
To this end, the government is implementing youth development programmes aimed at nurturing the five key strengths— physical, intellectual, moral, social, and economic — so that youth can become a major driving force in the nation’s development process. Indeed, these key strengths are basic for the development of human resources of the State.
According to the 2019 Interim Census Report, over 33 per cent of Myanmar’s total population consists of young people. This demographic situation indicates a large working-age population or labour force. As such, there is a need to prioritize the empowerment of youth and the effective utilization of the nation’s workforce. In support of youth sector development, the National Youth Policy was formulated in 2017.
Under this policy, the National Youth Policy Strategic Plan (2020-2024) was implemented. This plan encompasses 16 sectors: education, health, prevention of narcotics and other harmful threats, sports and recreation, employment opportunities, economy, politics, literature, arts, and culture, research, science, and technology, civic responsibility and good citizenship, natural resources and environmental conservation, peace and security, gender equality, human rights, and international relations.
At present, students and young people are encouraged to make the most of their summer holidays by developing their knowledge, using their free time productively, and studying subjects they are passionate about. Across the country, local authorities are offering various training programmes to help youth enhance their skills. These include courses on Buddhist culture, aviation and maritime training, scout training, writing, painting, and sports — designed to suit different age groups. Moreover, many young people are also independently investing in their self-development by enrolling in computer courses, electrical and technical training, mechanical repair classes, and agricultural training programmes.
The knowledge and skills acquired during the training period will not only be beneficial to oneself but also to the nation. In addition, qualities such as developing mutual friendship, the ability to work together in collaboration, improved discipline, and obedience will also be nurtured. Therefore, it is essential to effectively utilize the potential of capable young people in nation-building, ensuring that their talents do not go to waste.
