Youths fromthe Autonomous Region of Bougainville have called on boththeir government andthe national government to focus more ontheir development.
Last year,the national government allocated 100 million kina tothe ABe; however,the youths said to date,there is nothing constructive in place to rehabilitate and empowerthem.
They said youths back home are still involved in alcohol and drug abuse, andthe two governments must intervene immediately.
The students’were among ther participants fromthe Bougainville community in Port Moresby and donor representatives who withnessedthe launching ofthe 3-day Bougainville Peace Agreement Seminar yesterday.
They saidthe two governments need to seriously think about rehabilitatingthe youths and empowerthem to get involved in economic activities that will improvertheir lives andtheir communities.
The youths believe that youth development isthe key to true and lasting change and peace for Bougainville.
The 3-day seminar will coverthe overview ofthe Bougainville Peace Agreement,the establishment ofthe National Coordination office for Bougainville Affairs, and howthe Mining andthe Agriculture sectors can sustain Bougainville’s economy.
The president urgedthe national government to maintain its funding commitments to ensure allthese areas are developed.
