NIYOA Annual Seminar 2013

NIYOA Holds its 3rd Annual Seminar in Nairobi Nairobi, Kenya Member organizations of the Network of International Youth Organizations in Africa (NIYOA), which WOSM is part of, gathered at the Salveberg Retreat Centre in Nairobi for their 3rd Annual Seminar from 5th to 8th September 2013.; under the theme “Post 2015 Agenda; Roadmap for International Youth Organizations in Africa” NIYOA (www.niyoa.org) is a network that brings together international youth organizations working in Africa to empower young people to take active role in the society. As a youth platform for the International Organizations in Africa, NIYOA serves the interest of young people all over Africa, promoting their active participation in development and educating them on the values and principles of peace, democracy and co-operation.

The Chief Guest was Mr. Frederic Tutu Kama-Kama the WOSM Africa Regional Director flanked by the WAGGGS African Representative Ms. Alice Also present at the seminar were Marcio Barcelos representing the European Youth Forum and Salim Seif Kombo from the Pan-African Youth Union.

The chairperson of NIYOA, Ms. Chantal Afou Bengaly noted various challenges facing the network and outlined various efforts being made to address them. She also stressed on the need for IYOs to participate in influencing the post 2015 agenda. Marcio, noted IYOs as essential players in development due to their grassroot presence and highlighted their role as educators of young people. He also expressed the EYF’s commitment to supporting the work of NIYOA. In his remarks, Mr. Kama-Kama indicated WOSM’s is commitment to support NIYOA and is open to work with organizations that share the same objectives. He went on to say that “If we consider Africa as the cradle of humanity; we have a duty to make the world enjoy Africa. Africa is trending and the future of the world is Africa”. This was his challenge to NIYOA to work towards a future for Africa, made in Africa by Africans.

Nelson Ochieng Opany WOSM Africa