Ethiopia’s Prime Minister discusses youth concerns
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
February 7, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Saturday held discussion with over 7000 youth drawn from across the nation on the implementation and reinforcing the national youth development package that was endorsed in 2003.
The premier has listened and responded to a number of questions raised from the representatives and promised them to take measures through his government bodies responsible.
Among many, the question of unemployment, Election, small and micro finance institutional shortcomings, education, health and the questions of the disabled are included.
The discussion on such a participatory approach enables to identify basic problems the youth is facing and to put directions in finding solutions. Youth and sports minister Aster Mamo said opening the discussion.
Furthermore it helps to increase active participation of youth in development activities and ensure their benefits from ongoing wide ranging activities across the nation. She added.
According to her the Ethiopian government is working close with the youth to make them the Front runners on the developmental activities in all regions.
Participants include representatives from women association, the disabled, university students and farmers.
Replying to religious related questions, the premier warned “anti peace elements” who he said are trying to destroy the long and existing religious tolerance between Muslims and Christians. He vowed to take strong action against them.
Recently Ethiopia has arrested some 16 suspects who it said have caused violence in different regions of the nation using religious issues as a cover.
Concerning raised questions with the election that is coming next year Meles said that next year’s election will be an event that Ethiopia will witness a democratic and peaceful moment.
Meles called on the youth to be active participants on the coming election but advised them not to be weapons for some groups looking for violence during election.
This is the second time for Zenawi to hold such a transparent discussion with the youth.
According to the youth and sports ministry, similar discussions will also be held at federal regional and locality level that is expected to attract over 7.2 million youth in the country.
Currently some 2.2 million Ethiopian youth across the nation are being beneficiary through the small and micro finance system that engages people in small business or improve their agriculture production.
The Ethiopian government has given over 1 billion birr loan to help the poor to improve their income through micro credit system in an effort to tackle poverty and unemployment nationwide.
In a country where almost half its population barley survives on less than one dollar a day micro credit has become unique opportunity to the Ethiopian poor.
(ST)