By Hamed Al-Ameeri
KUWAIT, July 19 (KUNA) -- Youth centers are instrumental in utilizing free time in social, artistic, cultural and sport activities, Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said.
"The Public Authority for Youth and Sport, PAYS, managed to restore confidence in youth centers and reinstate their position in society," He told KUNA.
His remarks came after visiting Al-Qusour's youth center in Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorate and Al-Jahra youth center of Al-Jahra governorate on the occasion of Eid Al-Firt. The visit is part of a festivity themed "Your Eid in Our Centers." Sheikh Salman termed a "challenge" the summer season; especially as the ministry bids to become an "incubator" for youth.
"The ministry of youth affairs is working to translate directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah through the adoption of the national statement (Kuwait Listens) with the cooperation of all governmental and private sectors." Sheikh Salman, also Minister of Information, lauded the role of official and private media in empowering youth.
On protecting the youth from extremism, he pointed out to a plan, set in cooperation with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, in spreading concepts of moderation and tolerance, as well as promoting Islam as a civil faith that is able to contribute to stability of peoples and societies. The minister also pointed out to the plan set by Cabinet to fight extremism.
Furthermore, the ministry for youth affairs is focusing on supporting handcrafts and small projects for youth, as the state allocated a national fund for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to encourage the youth in one hand and to fulfill the future objective of having a multiple income for the state, Sheikh Salman noted.
The ministry of youth affairs, and through its training plan, managed to produce 76 young trainers, who will in turn, educate the youth on the principles of moderation, tolerance and societal awareness, he said.
Another project; 'Wathiq,' is underway and is directed specifically to middle schoolers, will focus on 19 significant values that would shun the youth from the rhetoric of violence and extremism, he added. (end) ha.hb