Prime Minister

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE 'YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE' INITIATIVE

BY THE
PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND

RT HON HELEN CLARK

I commend Australia for its efforts to develop a "Youth for the Future" initiative. Youth is a fundamental focus of the Commonwealth's work, and one on which New Zealand places considerable emphasis. With two-thirds of the Commonwealth population under 29, the Commonwealth's future lies in the hands of its youth. The young can make a major positive and practical contribution to the work of the Commonwealth by supporting and furthering the Commonwealth's fundamental values in promoting respect for diversity, economic and social development, democracy and good governance. The challenge is to enlist the enthusiasm of youth for the Commonwealth in this, the new millennium.

New Zealand particularly welcomes the capacity-building elements of the Commonwealth's youth activities. The NZODA-funded agency. Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA), is presently looking at the feasibility of reinstating a VSA youth programme. This would involve funding a limited number of young New Zealanders to volunteer as ESOL (English as a second language) teachers in schools in developing countries in the Asia/Pacific region, including Commonwealth countries. The volunteers would be supported in the field by an experienced ESOL teacher trainer, also a VSA volunteer. VSA believes that young adults can benefit in a number of ways from this sort of experience, including by establishing positive relationships with their peers and gaining a sense of contribution to society and increased self-worth. Both students and teachers stand to gain a great deal from this shared partnership experience.

Rt Hon Helen Clark
Prime Minister

Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.