Local chapter of AU Youth Club launched

The African Union (AU) Botswana Chapter representative Katlego Mosiane and southern Africa regional coordinator Shamil Agosi have urged youth to be proactive in creating a future that encapsulates their dreams. Speaking at the launch of the AU Botswana youth club on Saturday at the University of Botswana, they noted that Batswana youth should play an active role in achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063, a 50-year plan for creating a desirable Africa.

The launch was held under the theme, ‘Harnessing the Demographic Dividends through Investment in Youth.’ Mosiane said that the youth club aims at strengthening, reinforcing and consolidating efforts to empower young people through meaningful youth participation and equal partnership in driving Africa’s development agenda. He also noted that the Africa he envisions is where all young people have free access to quality education.Motivational speaker Makoba delivered an inspiring talk on the importance of leading a life of purpose and self-reliance.

“There is only so much that the government and your community can do for you – think about what you can do for yourself and your nation. Self-belief is very important in realising your goals through your potential and talents. “If you believe in yourself, no one can steer you off the rail as you will be headed in the direction of your destiny,” said the charismatic lad, who recently launched a motivational book. All the speakers, including MP for Gaborone Central Dr Phenyo Butale and entrepreneur and political activist Bruce Nkgakile and AU Ghana counsel Solomon Obari Kulu, echoed that it was high time young people stepped out to be counted.

They insisted that more can be done to improve the lives of young people and that the youth club could create opportunities for young people to interact and engage their contemporaries across Africa. The AU Youth Club was officially set up and launched by AU Southern Africa Regional Office in line with African Youth Chapter and Agenda 2063 ‘Africa We Want’ and is registered with University of Botswana.