by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | addictions, drug legalization, drugs, public health and safety, youth
By Albert Allotey
Accra, April 12, GNA – As stated by Mrs Olivia Agyekumwaa Boateng, who leads the Tobacco and Substance Abuse Division at the Food and Drugs Authority, they urge youth-focused organizations to collaborate with their agency to combat substance misuse within the nation.
She stated that forming partnerships would significantly help tackle the problem of drug abuse, specifically mentioning Tramadol and Tapentadol, along with newer substances like “RED,” which have been gaining attention among young people.
Mrs. Boateng initiated the call during the unveiling of the “Ghana Against Drugs – ‘Red Means Stop'” initiative by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment.
This campaign serves as a nationwide effort aimed at young people to tackle the increasing problem of drug misuse within their demographic.
Mrs Boateng stated that the usage of Tapentadol, similar to other opioids, poses concerning health hazards.
Mixing Tapentadol with depressants such as alcohol and other opioids can cause severe respiratory depression, which may lead to comas or even death.
As she pointed out, “The abuse of opioids leads to both physical and psychological dependency, worsening the tough socioeconomic circumstances confronting numerous young Ghanaians.”
Mrs. Boateng stated, “Given our role as the regulatory authority tasked with protecting public health and guaranteeing the safety and effectiveness of medications in Ghana, the FDA is dedicated to tackling this problem via rigorous regulatory actions and working together with various parties involved, which has already commenced.”
She mentioned that the Authority, working alongside state organizations like the Ghana Revenue Authority, Narcotics Control Board, Ghana Police Service, and Pharmacy Council, among others, has been carrying out stringent monitoring, confiscating illegal substances, and penalizing those involved.
Mrs. Boateng observed that the worldwide opioid epidemic has spread to West Africa, with growing instances of misuse involving drugs such as fentanyl, pethidine, Tapentadol, and tramadol.
“In recent times, research has underscored a ‘tramadol crisis’ within the region, marked by an unsettling prevalence of the medication’s usage amongst young individuals, frequently associated with physical distress, mental health issues, and financial struggles,” she stated.
She mentioned that in Ghana, the FDA has noticed an increase in the unlawful importation, selling, and dissemination of unregistered opioids such as Tapentadol. She pointed out that these drugs frequently enter the nation via smuggling routes and are traded through unofficial outlets, thereby presenting considerable threats to public health.
“It needs to be clearly emphasized that the majority of these drugs are merely transiting through the country,” she stated.
Mrs Boateng mentioned that the FDA engages in numerous initiatives focused on encouraging the proper usage of controlled substances and preventing opioid misuse. She emphasized their unwavering dedication to safeguarding public health and guaranteeing the security of all regulated items within Ghana.
GNA
LAA
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | europe, railway systems, Travel, young people, youth
Good news awaits those who are youthful and seeking an affordable means to discover Europe this summer.
The European Union is offering nearly 36,000 complimentary rail passes to individuals turning 18 through the DiscoverEU initiative.
Introduced by
Interrail
Moreover, within the EU, this initiative seeks to provide young Europeans with the chance to gain insights into neighboring nations and their cultures.
The individuals who qualify will have the opportunity to delve into Europe’s cultural legacy and historical background while connecting with people from various parts of the continent.
Everything you have to do is respond to six questions.
ExploreEU: Steps to Obtain a Free Pass for European Rail Travel
Applicants have an opportunity to win a complimentary rail pass if they were born between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007.
This initiative is available to legal residents of the European Union’s 27 member states as well as Overseas Countries. Applicants from third countries connected to the Erasmus+ program may also participate. Such countries include Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, and Serbia.
Türkiye
.
If that describes your situation, the next step is to make your way over to the
European Youth Portal
to complete an eligibility assessment.
You need to respond to five multiple-choice queries related to the European Union along with an extra question. The topics include broad understanding of the EU as well as its programs designed for youth engagement.
You’ll additionally be required to provide further details regarding your travel arrangements. This encompasses the dates of your trip as well as whether this will mark your first journey conducted independently without companions.
parents
What aspects of the experience do you hope to gain, and how will you fund your journey?
This data will not influence the selection process in any way.
The Commission will evaluate candidates according to their answers from the EU quiz and will extend offers as a result.
travel passes
Following their rankings until the ticket quota is filled.
The application period will be open from April 2nd to April 16th, 2025.
You are not eligible to apply if you have received a DiscoverEU pass before.
What will be the functioning of the complimentary railway pass program?
Those who excel will receive a complimentary gift.
rail pass
To journey through Europe for as many as 30 days anytime from July 1, 2025, until September 30, 2026.
During the application process, you have the option to embark on your journey solo or with a group of up to five friends. Should you opt for traveling together, you may distribute your application code among your companions so they can complete their registrations.
The team captain alone needs to respond to the EU quiz questions, whereas group members only have to provide their personal information to finish the registration process and meet the requirements for age and residence.
The
travel pass
Can be utilized solely within your resident country for both an outgoing and returning trip. This must involve traveling to another nation that qualifies under this program.
The overall
journey
can extend for as little as one day up to a maximum of one month, including up to seven days allocated for travel.
Participants will typically qualify for a voucher valued at up to €283.26 for use in second-class or economy seats. This amount might increase for candidates traveling from distant or international locations.
In certain situations, the coach and assistant
ferry
Passes will also be provided. To make sure that young individuals residing in distant regions or on islands are not left out, flights might be granted in special circumstances. Priority will consistently be given to those who need them the most.
sustainable
option.
If you’re among the fortunate recipients, you’ll receive a European Youth Card (EYCA), which remains valid for 12 months. This card provides savings on various things such as cultural trips and events, education opportunities, outdoor adventures, sporting activities, public transport, lodging, meals, and much more throughout the EU countries.
What method will be used to select candidates for the complimentary rail pass?
Selections will be made based on the available budget, with applicants being ranked according to the accuracy of their responses.
A quota exists.
travel passes
Allocated quotas per country. Any unused permits from a country due to insufficient applications will be redistributed to nations with a greater volume of submissions.
In cases where there are more qualified candidates than available positions, a ‘first come, first served’ policy will be implemented—indicating that earlier submissions may receive preference as an alternative approach.
Special assistance is provided for attendees who have disabilities or medical conditions.
Applicants who have been selected will receive an email notification once the selection process concludes in May.
They will then be connected with an EU contractor who will take care of the
travel bookings
and payments.
Purchased passes for the chosen candidates will not be refunded.
What is anticipated in exchange for the complimentary rail passes?
If you apply for a free pass, you will be asked to serve as a ‘DiscoverEU Ambassador.’ In this role, you’ll share feedback about your travels.
social media
Or for school and community presentations.
The application for this program will enable you to generate a personalized route map along with data regarding the count of stops.
trains
acquired, total number of countries traveled to and
CO2
savings that you can post on social media.
Young travelers will likewise be required to complete an online survey following their participation in the program.
Upon finishing, travelers will be awarded a certificate of participation that emphasizes the competencies and skills they have acquired through their journey.
by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | business, educational systems, investing, technology, youth
ABUJA
– A learning area spanning 25 square meters, fitted with cutting-edge digital equipment, has been inaugurated.
As part of the BeMINT_Nigeria initiative, hands-on IT training and entrepreneurial skill development are provided to high school graduates in Lagos. This 12-week comprehensive program emphasizes female involvement and aims to create economic opportunities for 400 young people (ages 18 to 24) from underprivileged backgrounds.
BeMINT (where MINT stands for STEM in German: Mathematics, Information Technology, Science, and Technology) receives support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is executed by the globally active foundation Siemens Stiftung along with the Nigerian non-governmental organization Empowering Africans through Education Initiative (EAE).
This three-year program combines training and internships to provide school leavers with essential practical and digital skills needed for success in the 21st-century world marked by rapid technological progress and digitization.
“The digital revolution has reshaped societies and economies but has also exacerbated gender and social disparities. According to the United Nations, women make up just 22% of roles in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. BeMINT_Nigeria aims to address this imbalance by promoting female involvement and improving access to digital education for young people from underprivileged areas. This participant-focused initiative promotes equitable economic engagement and equips Nigeria’s future leaders with essential 21st-century competencies,” explains Dr. Nina Smidt, who serves as the CEO and spokesperson for Siemens Stiftung.
The core of this initiative revolves around the newly established makerspace, which serves as a central location for educational growth and community involvement. This space grants participants convenient access to 3D technology, tools, and materials, enabling them to bring their preliminary concepts and models to life. Moreover, individuals have complimentary use of “Siemens Hours of Engineering,” a cloud-based platform provided by Siemens Digital Industries. This tool offers an accessible entry into computer-aided design and fosters problem-solving skills.
During the launch event, the German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner stated, “InVESTMENTS IN DIGITAL EDUCATION ARE CRUCIAL FOR ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION. By developing digital infrastructure AND enhancing educational opportunities THAT WIDEN THE CAREER PATHS available to young Nigerians—particularly young women—we can foster more robust collaboration between Nigeria and Germany. Given that 70 percent OF THE COUNTRY’S POPULATION IS UNDER 35 YEARS OLD, this demographic offers an unparalleled foundation upon which TO GROW NIGERIA’S DIGITAL SECTOR.”
In the coming few years, nine groups with 45 participants each will be exposed to three key areas: Information Technology, career guidance, and business startup skills.
Every participant gets extensive interdisciplinary training, obtaining hands-on experience with digital platforms as well as acquiring knowledge about AI tools to boost their competitive edge in the job market.
We are expanding upon the achievements of the project’s initial stage, which commenced in 2022. This phase has cultivated graduates who are both skilled and assured, many of whom are currently employed at prestigious international firms such as Google and Microsoft, alongside various small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | government, history, politics, public policy, youth
The Minister of Youth and Arts, Abdallah Utumatwishima, encouraged Rwandan youth to study the nation’s history and adhere to the nine commitments of the RPF-Inkotanyi party. Given that more than 65% of the populace is below 30, numerous Rwandans were born post-Genocide, underscoring the necessity for younger generations to comprehend the historical struggles faced by the country. These challenges include the RPF-Inkotayni’s battle to free Rwanda and halt the 1994 Genocide targeting the Tutsis.
This appeal came during “Rubyiruko Menya Amateka Yawe,” an initiative organized on March 28th at the National Ubutore Development Centre (NUDC) located in Nkumba, Burera District. Approximately 1,000 youths participated from different regions including Northern provinces such as Burera, Gicumbi, Gakenke, Musanze, and Rulindo, along with Nyabihu in the West. Organized jointly by MINUBUMWE and MoYA, this campaign educates young Rwandans about the tragic events surrounding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and equips them with tools to combat genocide denial.
Founded in December 1987 by exiles reacting to discriminatory policies fueled by Belgian rule starting in 1959, the RPF-Inkotanya advocates several principles designed to foster unity and resilience. Among these responsibilities are restoring communal bonds amongst Rwandans—a critical factor following centuries of division—and establishing a fairer governmental system.
Addressing issues like defense strategy and foreign policy, Minister Utumatwishima emphasized the significance of protecting Rwanda’s autonomy amid external threats posed by groups like the FDLR operating out of neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, promoting democracy involves granting every citizen a stake in governing decisions, fostering inclusive participation rather than exclusivity.
Economic advancement represents yet another cornerstone commitment where enhancing domestic productivity stands paramount alongside curbing pervasive graft affecting societal stability. Furthermore, improving living conditions hinges upon robust investments in sectors like healthcare and schooling, reflecting broader aspirations towards greater equality and opportunity nationwide.
Ultimately, addressing root causes behind past displacements forms part of ongoing reforms aiming toward sustainable reconciliation. By advocating strong ties internationally grounded in mutual understanding, RPF-Inkotanya strives to secure beneficial alliances conducive to collective betterment. Meanwhile, vigilantly guarding against residual extremist ideologies serves dual purposes: deterring potential recurrences domestically whilst challenging revisionist narratives abroad.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | asia, contests and competitions, sports, tournaments, youth
In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, on Sunday, eighteen-year-old Oh Jun-sung triumphed over French player Thibault Poret in a nail-biting seven-game match to clinch his inaugural World Table Tennis (WTT) Star Contender title at the WTT Star Contender event held in Chennai 2025. Meanwhile, in the Women’s Singles category, 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto—who has previously won an Olympic medal during Paris 2024—emerged victorious against fellow Japanese competitor Honoka Hashimoto with a score of 4-2, securing her first championship at this tier.
Earlier in the day, Manav Thakkar’s historic run concluded in the second-to-last round, making him the only Indian male athlete to advance to a WTT Star Contender semifinal. In other news, South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin claimed the Mixed Doubles championship with a dominant performance, according to a statement released by WTT.
The WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025, sponsored by IndianOil, was organized by Stupa Sports Analytics along with Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), under the governance of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI). This competition featured a prize fund of $275,000 and awarded 600 ranking points to the champions.
In front of a full crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Harimoto and Hashimoto put on an impressive display of extended rallies, pushing each other’s limits in terms of stamina and accuracy. During the initial two sets, they matched each other point for point. However, starting from game three, the match entered a different phase due to the implementation of the Expedite Rule. This rule compelled them to play quicker and more definitively within a limit of thirteen shots per rally. Under this constraint, Harimoto excelled, demonstrating remarkable speed and strategic prowess. Even as her competitor fought back fiercely, the young player remained composed throughout, securing victory in the Women’s Singles Finals.
Subsequently, the Men’s Singles Finals featuring Oh and Poret turned into an exhilarating contest where control seesawed back and forth. Each athlete exhibited remarkable talent and tenacity, maintaining audience anticipation throughout. Trailing 2-3, Oh staged a fantastic rally to clinch the final two matches, securing a nail-biting triumph.
Manav’s notable campaign concluded in Session 1 following a closely contested 3-1 defeat against Thibault Poret in the Men’s Singles semifinal, which awarded him 210 WTT ranking points and $4,000 in prize money—a considerable accomplishment for Indian table tennis. Soon thereafter, South Korean Olympians Lim and Shin demonstrated their skill by securing the Mixed Doubles championship without dropping a game, comfortably defeating Japan’s Maharu Yoshimura and Satsuki Odo with precise scores of 11-8, 11-5, and 11-4.
Spanning six days, the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 attracted 158 players from around the world who showcased intense competitions and created memorable highlights throughout the tournament.
Complete Outcomes (Principal Tournament, Day 4)
Men’s Singles (Semifinals)
Oh Jun-sung (KOR) [12] vs. Flavien Coton (FRA) 3-0: 11-4, 12-10, 11-7
Thibault Poret from France competes against Manav Thakkar from India with a score of 3-1: 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7
(Final, Best of 7)
Oh Jun-sung from South Korea [12] faces off against Thibault Poret from France with scores of 4-3: 9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 9-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7
Women’s Singles (Semifinals)
Miwa Harimoto (JPN) [2] vs. Shin Yu-bin (KOR) [4], score 3-0: 11-8, 11-4, 12-10
Honoka Hashimoto (JPN) [13] vs. Kim Nayeong (KOR) 3-0: 11-6, 11-2, 11-2
(Final, Best of 7)
Miwa Harimoto (JPN) [2] versus Honoka Hashimoto (JPN) [13]. The match score was 4-2 with game scores of 9-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, and 11-7.
Mixed Doubles (Final)
Lim Jong-hoon (KOR)/Shin Yu-bin (KOR) [2] vs. Maharu Yoshimura (JPN)/Satsuki Odo (JPN) [Q]. The match ended with a score of 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-4. (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 26, 2025 | children and families, popular culture, society, young people, youth
Adolescence is the
Netflix
shows captivating audiences worldwide, everyone drawn into the story of the 13-year-old boy charged with murdering a fellow female student. However, alongside this, it also leads to
powerful watching
, the program casts an alarming spotlight on the troubling impact of social media and chauvinist male content creators on young males.
The previous week, ex-England coach Sir
Gareth Southgate
used the
BBC
‘s esteemed Richard Dimbleby Lecture to criticize “heartless, deceitful, and harmful influencers” exploiting
young men
Online. Instead, he advocated for robust male role models and secure, tangible environments such as community centers for young people.
young people
to flourish and grow.
Omar Akhtar, who works with young people, conducts sessions for teens aged between 13 and 19 at Mahdlo, an OnSide Youth Zone located in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Manchester
The youth center, among the 15 such centers across the country, boasts nearly 3,000 members. Sir Gareth dropped by earlier this month during his research for his upcoming BBC speech.
READ MORE:
All you need to understand about Season 2 of Adolescence and why it might not succeed
Omar, who has over seven years of experience working with teens, mentioned, “I got chills watching ‘Adolescence.’” He explained that the series’ themes and messages were incredibly potent and brought back numerous recollections of conversations he’s had with the youth he interacts with daily, particularly regarding their experiences growing up under the impact of social media.
This series makes for quite an engaging viewing experience, and parents might have to exercise discretion. However, both teenagers and their parents ought to contemplate watching this because it addresses numerous significant matters. It was delightful having Sir Gareth at our youth center, witnessing a broader discussion emerge from the themes he has brought up.
In this segment, Omar discusses five key points that all parents who have viewed “Adolescence” should be aware of when bringing up teenage sons.
1. Patience is key
From what I’ve observed, boys generally tend to be more reserved when discussing issues that concern them compared to girls. In my role as a youth worker, we’re taught to connect with each young individual based on their current state, invest time in understanding them better, discover their passions, and establish a bond grounded in shared respect and trust. A teenage boy probably won’t immediately share his concerns just because you ask him ‘What’s bothering you?’ Show your genuine interest and care for both who he is and his viewpoints, and subsequently provide him ample time and room to express his emotions.
2. Find an activity
Discovering an activity you both enjoy, such as taking a stroll in a park or the countryside, preparing a meal together in your kitchen, or even playing a round of billiards, can help ease conversations around tough topics. Adolescents often find direct eye contact uncomfortable during serious discussions, which is why engaging in activities like walking alongside one another or cooking side-by-side tends to facilitate more open dialogue compared to facing each other seated at a desk or table. In my role as a youth worker, I encourage teenage boys at our club to participate in enjoyable and energetic pursuits—be it through team sports, scaling the climbing wall, or testing their skills with
boxing
Head to the ring or hit the gym. This can be an excellent method to strengthen your bond and alleviate stress from conversations they may find challenging.
3. It is essential to have male role models.
It’s crucial for adolescent males to have genuine, dependable adult male figures in their lives who exemplify positivity and openness. These mentors may include educators, relatives, youth counselors, or athletic trainers. The youths we engage often lack paternal influences growing up; consequently, before joining our clubs, many do not encounter any significant male role models. Discussing private matters with mothers can feel uncomfortable for these teens, leading them to suppress their feelings. As a result, they tend to withdraw socially and rely more heavily on digital devices like smartphones and platforms such as social media. Inspired by the Andy’s Man Club initiative from last year, we established ‘Guy Time’ sessions within our youth centers. During these times, designated areas were reserved specifically for boys to converse freely with male staff members, enjoy meals together, participate in recreational activities, and unwind. This program proved highly successful and remains an integral part of our offerings moving forward.
4. Listen closely
If a teenager guy shares something with you, make an effort to set aside your personal judgments or biases and simply pay attention. It can be easy to want to cut them off or get sidetracked by things like phone calls, texts, little brothers or sisters, or other distractions vying for your focus. Even though we offer many programs and great amenities here, what the teenagers I interact with value the most is having our undivided time and concentration without interruptions.
5. Real-life is best
Phones and
gaming
Are an integral component of every adolescent boy’s life; however, they should not dominate entirely. According to OnSide’s Generation Isolation study, among teenagers who frequently engage with their mobile devices, over fifty percent express a desire for reduced usage yet feel uncertain about achieving this change. Promoting involvement in sports teams, extracurricular clubs, community engagements, and youth centers assists young males in cultivating self-assurance, interpersonal abilities, forging friendships, and honing leadership qualities. This is evident daily within our sport programs as well as through our center’s teenage young leaders, who assist in mentoring younger kids. Such competencies pave the path toward adult independence, which cannot be fully acquired solely via screens.
See
www.onsideyouthzones.org
for more information.
