World now has largest ever youth group in history--WB


INQ7.net
Last updated 04:30pm (Mla time) 09/21/2006

THE WORLD now has the largest ever youth group in history--young people between the ages 12 and 24 comprise 1.3 billion of the developing world’s population--and developing countries like the Philippines still has a window of opportunity to invest in the youth to lessen potential economic headaches in the future, the World Bank said on Thursday.

The latest World Bank report, the World Development Report 2007: Development and the Next Generation, says in the Philippines, young people ages 10-14 number nearly nine million and comprise 11.7 percent of the population while youth ages 14-20 number over eight million and comprise 10.5 percent of the population.

"A third of the growth in the countries called the East Asian tigers is attributed to this 'demographic gift'. Most developing countries still have a window of opportunity to get this right before an aging population closes it," says Emmanuel Jimenez, lead author of the report and Director of Human Development in the World Bank’s East Asia Pacific Department.

A World Bank statement urged developing countries to invest in the youth now to benefit from huge payoffs for the future because today's young people will become the next generation of workers.

In the Philippines, this window will remain open for almost another 40 years. And the skills these young people develop as household heads and parents will have profound impacts on their children, the Report said.

The World Bank noted that the constitutional, legal and institutional mandates to invest in the youth is well-established in the Philippines. The country has a constitution that enjoins the State to "ensure the physical, moral, spiritual, and social well-being of the youth," a Local Government Code that mandates youth representation in local bodies through the Sangguniang Kabataan, and institutions like the interagency Council for the Welfare of Children and the National Youth Commission focus on the youth. Several government agencies also carry out programs targeted at the youth.

But the World Bank report said it was necessary to improve coordination and integration of policies.

Three strategic policies seen to enhance investment in young people include expanding opportunities, improving capabilities, and offering second chances for young people who have fallen behind due to difficult circumstances or poor choices.

“These address five fundamental transitions facing young people and affecting their whole economic, social and family life, namely getting an education, finding work, staying healthy, forming families, and exercising citizenship,” it said.

Opportunities

With broadened opportunities for better education and healthcare, the report said young people can acquire skills to navigate adolescence and young adulthood safely, while improved vocational training will help them compete in the workforce.

“These measures should be accompanied by enhanced job opportunities. This is important, not only at home, but also overseas, since young Filipinos, like those in other countries, are more prone to migrate. Youth political participation and involvement in social organizations are also essential for fostering young people's civic life in their own communities and vital for good governance,” it said.

The Report argues that without opportunities for productive civic engagement, young people's frustrations may boil over into economic and social tensions, creating long-simmering disputes.

Capabilities

Providing information to young people and developing their decision-making skills, especially to stay healthy and appreciate continued learning, is important, it said.

“Fewer than half of girls aged 15-24 in the Philippines know of the multiple ways to prevent HIV/AIDs. Also, only half get full care during antenatal visits. Armed with the right information and incentives, these young people can make good decisions. This is why programs such as reproductive health programs need to build in outreach to young people and provide them with accurate, accessible information,” World Bank said.

Second chances

“Countries need targeted programs for young people who have fallen behind due to difficult circumstances or poor choices. These can be dropping out of school, drug addiction, criminal behavior, or prolonged unemployment. Second chances help young people rebuild their future, which has a long-term beneficial effect on society as a whole. Rehabilitation is costly, but the payoffs are highest for young people who still have a lifetime of potential productivity ahead of them,” it said.

The Report cited the potentials of policies and programs in the Philippines, including enriching childcare and pre-school programs; school-based career guidance, among others. The Report also cites that the Philippines has legally codified youth involvement in governance through the Youth in Nation-building Act, an important first step in encouraging youth to vote.

“Through technical assistance, program support and projects, we hope to contribute towards the enhancement of government programs and policies that will enable the country to seize this demographic window of opportunity," said Joachim von Amsberg, World Bank Philippines Country Director.

The Report said that public spending alone would not do the trick. Policies must stimulate young people, their parents, and their communities to invest in themselves.