Uphold good values, Speaker tells youths

SPEAKER of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has urged Zambian youths to participate in governance issues of the country.
He advised the youths to uphold the Commonwealth ideals and values of a democratic society.
Dr Matibini said this year’s Commonwealth Day, which had been focused on the youths, was a reminder to young people and the older generations to maintain values that would make society more democratic.
He made the remarks when he delivered a keynote speech during commemoration of the Commonwealth Day under the slogan ‘Team Commonwealth’ at Parliament buildings in Lusaka yesterday.
“I, therefore, challenge you all to learn more from the goals of the Commonwealth for good governance, justice, development and growth so that this new generation of citizens may enjoy lives of dignity, peace and prosperity,” Dr Matibini said.
He said the Commonwealth worked to instill respect of freedom, equality, moral values, multi-culturalism and commitment to human rights among various things in the young people.
Dr Matibini said Commonwealth Governments worked to support the youths through facilitating the establishment of enterprises, training institutions, and access to loans.
He said the Governments also supported the young people in advocating for, and promoting a democratic voice in elections and local governance.
The main activity for the commemoration of the 2014 Commonwealth Day was a youth exposition where 20 youths from secondary schools from all the 10 provinces and 10 youths from youth organisations exhibited items which depict the economic contributions of their provinces.
Dr Matibini said the exhibition would help awaken youths to various opportunities and activities within Zambia and in the Commonwealth region in which they could engage for income generation and skills development.
Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth said member countries would this year work towards building a united future in which everyone could play a part and share rewards.
In a speech read for her by United Party for National Development Namwala Member of Parliament Moono Lubezhi, the Queen said together, Commonwealth countries could encourage and draw strength from one another.