Youth centers at the technical and vocational high schools of Mienake, Mananjary, and Manakara have been equipped with recreational materials and games. This initiative is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Norwegian Consul.
"Today's young people lack recreational opportunities. To prevent them from hanging around bars and gambling, it would be better to create a 'youth corner' where they can find everything they need to focus and flourish," said Todisoa Andriamampandry, Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training, yesterday during the equipment handover ceremony by partners.
This initiative was motivated by special attention given to young girls. In Madagascar, approximately 32% of girls aged 15 to 19 have already begun their reproductive lives, with consequences including school dropout and inability to acquire necessary skills through technical education and vocational training.
The equipment will directly benefit 1,500 young learners from the three institutions involved. "The idea of this project is to ensure that young girls, like boys, remain within the educational system so they can acquire the necessary skills to enter the job market," said Ngoy Kishimba, interim representative of UNFPA.
The Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training has set itself the challenge of expanding youth centers throughout the country.
Miangaly Ralitera