By Nasratu Kargbo
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura has in a bill entitled the National Youth Service Act 2024 proposed that non-graduates be eligible to go through the National Youth Service (NYS).
Bangura made this disclosure in parliament on the 9th July 2024 during the second reading of the bill. The Minister whilst highlighting some of the amendments to be made in the Act, said: “We realized that the National Youth Service only caters for graduates, we want to see how we can have non-graduates to be part of the National Youth Service”.
Speaking on other amendments, he explained that as at the time of the establishment of the Act in 2009, the country did not have a Northwest region, saying the bill proposes they include a representative from the region. He also mentioned other amendments to be made and spoke on the significant contribution and growth it will bring to the youths.
The Chairman of the Youth Committee in Parliament Abdul Latif Sesay spoke about the relevance of the amendments to be made in the bill, but was quick to suggest that it is prudent that the bill be committed to the legislative committee.
The Leader of Government Business, Mathew S. Nyuma spoke on youth age bracket, saying that the bill states that youths are persons within ages fifteen to thirty-five, and that Sierra Leoneans are being deprived in their early years and therefore asked that the number be increased to make room for such persons.
He cited that some people could not go to school early due to poverty and ended up graduating after thirty-five, asking why such persons would not be given the opportunity to go through NYS due to their age.
The Leader, like the Chairman, agreed that the bill be committed to the legislative committee, explaining that one of the reasons for doing so is the fact that they do not have the parent Act which will inform them on the amendment to be made, what clauses to be introduced and those to be expunged.
He also asked that the Minister make a presentation on both bills in order to get the MPs well informed about them.
The Acting Leader of the Opposition Daniel B. Koroma emphasized that the Ministry should ensure they create the avenue to meet the minimum number for gender equity in the boards and other positions.
Both bills, the National Youth Service Act (Amendment) 2024 and the National Youth Commission (Amendment) 2024 were committed to the legislative committee for proper scrutiny before they would be brought back to the well of parliament.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (10/07/24)
