Unruly youth vex Olopeng
Koketso Kgoboge | Tuesday January 27, 2015 15:26
Speaking at the Ministry’s Open Day held in Palapye last Friday, Olopeng said some youth deliberately disrupt government’s efforts to help them improve their lives. “I am worried about the behaviour of some youths who are funded under different government youth initiatives only to misuse the funds that others so desperately need,” he said.
Olopeng complained that some youth establish businesses, only to quit without notifying government. The minister appealed to traditional leaders and elders in Palapye to motivate youth, and encourage them to take heed of their lives and make responsible decisions. He also advised traditional leaders to set up a cultural day in Palapye, asserting that through such an initiative, youth could learn more about their roots and culture, instead of adopting western cultures. “Culture could give the youth personal understanding and help turn around the undesirable elements,” he added.
Olopeng also said the ministry was also considering ways to support arts and culture, in order to encourage youth to develop their talent. “I encourage you to engage in the arts to develop your talent and adopt a business-like and professional approach. Commercialisation of the arts will create employment opportunities for you. I also want to inform you that this Ministry is also looking at setting up a platform where we will support and develop arts and culture,” he said.