YouthNet to hold two-day youth summit to commemorate 10 years
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 17
Commemorating its 10 years, YouthNet in partnership with the Government of Nagaland is organizing a two-day youth summit at NBCC Conference Hall, Kohima on February 26 and 27 under the theme ‘Celebrating Young Nagas; Preparing the Next Generation’.
The summit is expected to draw about 2000 youth from all the eleven districts in Nagaland making it one of the biggest youth summits held in the State. 54 young Naga achievers from across the country will be speaking at the summit, which will include panel discussions on good governance, entrepreneurship, Nagas as ambassadors of Christ, skill building, entertainment, sports etc. A thematic session will also be held on three themes where one recommendation each will be put forward to the Government.
“The youth of Nagaland have been constantly bogged by the challenges of time, the goal of this summit is not only to recognize these young Naga achievers but to create and bring hope that the new youth of today together can solidify our position economically, socially, and politically,” informed YouthNet official during a press conference held at Dream Café on February 17.
YouthNet is credited for spearheading the RTI movement in Nagaland, which had the privilege of reaching out to the 11 districts in Nagaland with Arvind Kejriwal. This work went on to be featured in the class X text books of NBSE in 2011.
“RTI is something we are very proud of. We are the forerunners of RTI,” said Founding Director, Hekani Jakhalu talking about the journey of YouthNet.
YouthNet was formed on February 1 in 2006 with Anato Zhimomi, Theja Meru, Kuchi Zeliang, Alen Phom, Angelica Chishi, and Limaakum Jamir as the founding members.
YouthNet also dealt with issues of employment and livelihood, where in its initial years, consultations were organised for the youth to deliberate on the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and untapped opportunities in their respective districts. This work was completed along with 17 apex student bodies led by NSF and ENSF. The report titled ‘The Voices Uncensored’ was a case study in Leksand, Sweden, 2009 for its involvement of youth in a large scale.
Some of its other major activities are Impact 5000 by 18, The Entrepreneur, First Cut, Pig farming and Pork Chop, Dial Nagaland which stressed on entrepreneurship and skill development. Another laudable work of the YouthNet was its survey on the 2013 Nagaland Assembly Elections which revealed the almost 1000 crores spent during the elections.
Along with its successes, YouthNet equally has had its share of setbacks. Jakhalu pointed out the risks and disappointments of working with the youth. She mentioned how a lot of youth do not take their opportunities and jobs seriously.
On a question raised about its constant partnership with the State Government, Jakhalu asserted, “From the day we started, we made it clear that we are going to work with the government. We believe that government money is public money. We wanted to be the platform bridging the gap between the youth and the government. I think we are the only organisation in India which was taking money from the Government for the RTI work.”
The team, however, expressed disappointment with the government which tends to look at the organisation as a liability instead of an asset despite its many achievements in Nagaland.
With its primary focus on entrepreneurship in recent years, YouthNet views that “private sector can be the first sector” instead of government jobs.
The summit aims to present and promote the new roles of youth in the State and also celebrate the success of young Naga men and women and their achievements. It will provide opportunity for the 2000 delegates to discuss and learn various best practices in leadership, inspiring stories, constructive dialogue and what new generations may do to create new opportunities for partnerships, sustainability and cooperation. The summit will also include various government departments which will highlight their work and disseminate information that pertain to the youth.
Chief Minister TR Zeliang is the Chief Patron and he has appealed to each MLA, apex student union bodies, colleges, churches to nominate 15 youth from their constituencies, organizations so they can connect, exchange, and take best practices.
The organisation has informed interested persons to contact 8575659436 or mail at youthnet1@gmail.com for registration.
