The secretary of a cyclist club in Lae says most of the business houses, government departments and the general public see youths as hopeless, with no purpose or aim in life.
Lae Peddle Power Cyclist Club Secretary, Micah Vevera, says youths have dreams, but according to Vevera they are not able to achieve those dreams because of the lack of support they get.
Vevera made these remarks before he and 54 of his registered members go out tomorrow on the streets of Lae city seeking financial help from the community after most of their requests were turned down.
This group of cyclists is mostly made of unemployed youths from within Lae City.
The club has been in existence for more than a decade, but was not effective due to funding constraints.
The group of youths are planning a two-day bike ride from Lae to Madang on the 28 November, to be part of the Madang Music festival, whilst also commemorating World Aids Day that falls on the 1st of December.
Their aim is to get youth involved in this program over the festive season, and keep their minds occupied and away from illegal activities.
The club has been seeking financial help from business houses in Lae to support them on their two-days ride to Madang, but were turned down.
According to the secretary, they have been advised to have proper documentation of their club profile to prove they are a legitimate club.
Thus, they have been carrying out their own fundraising to raise funds to cover for food, medical and other expenses during their trip to Madang and back to Lae.
Tomorrow, they will be pushing a wheelbarrow in and around the city for the general public to help contribute to their cause.
The secretary is also calling on the community, NGOs, health and education departments to work in partnership with them in assisting youths find hope.
Most of these youths have not been given the chance to be in the formal education system.
They believe the relationship built between them and other stakeholders, in particular the education department, will help them immensely.
