Celestina Soares – The representative Mria Dadi Magno from the Timor-Leste National Youth Council (CNJTL) said this is a proud moment for young people as so far there has been no youth policy.

"It is a big moment for Timor-Leste youth to be proud, we now have a national youth policy," she said during the ceremony of the launch of the National Youth Policy book in Dili.

She said previously, the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sport was working with CNJTL to organize a tour conference in the 13 municipalities, to analyze the situation in five priority areas, such as youth in education, health, employment, crime, violence and for them to participate in civic education.

She said the National Youth Policy book is the legal basis for the resolution of government no. 27/2016 to address high youth numbers that show concerns.

"We hope that any work done and is produced looks at the existing national youths policy," she hoped.

"We emphasize support for youth that face problems with the quality of education, juvenile health and equal opportunity and in particular the youth in rural areas who don't have access to information and often drop out and become unemployed."

One young person Anastacia da Costa, appreciates the effort of the National Youth Council for improving the capacity, and mentioned the importance to remember to consider youth in all areas based on the existing policy.

"Thanking the National Youth Council for this policy and also the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sport who have provided many things for us."

The Program Manager from Forum Tau Matan (FTM), Evaristo de Deus went on to say the development of the youth policy by the National Youth Council is good, as we now have a policy to follow in the future.

He encouraged and "asks for talented youth in sport and music or anything to not be shy to compete with others and also not be shy and connect with the National youth council."

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/children-youth/14782-timor-leste-youth-have-a-national-policy