00:00The Interim Youth Task Force is expected to provide young persons with a direct role in discussions on crime prevention,
00:08public policy, and institutional reform.
00:11The ministry says the initiative emerged from recommendations made during last week's National Youth Forum, held as part of International
00:19Youth Day activities.
00:22After a thorough discussion with the hierarchy of the Ministry of Homeland and other stakeholders, we have also taken a
00:29decision to establish an interim youth task force to continue to promote the discussions from last Thursday.
00:42Ali says the task force forms part of a broader shift towards crime prevention, with a focus on addressing youth
00:50delinquency before it escalates into criminal activity.
00:54As a country, we are grappling with crime and criminality. And if it's the proper term, I know I'm among
01:00many psychologists and social workers. Youth delinquency, violence, and other ills.
01:09We are asking for answers. We are asking for a response from a prevention of crime context. The agencies are
01:16trying very hard from a crime detection using tools like the state of emergency. But for this forum, we are
01:24on prevention. Prevention. Prevention.
01:27The ministry says that approach is already being tested through a pilot program in schools identified as needing intervention.
01:35The initiative combines psychological support and educational engagement, and officials say early feedback from principals, students, and parents have been
01:46positive.
01:47Ali says the program is being developed as a multi-sector response involving state agencies and professionals in education, policing,
01:57child protection, psychology, and social work.
02:00With the hope and expectation that we will be doing it expeditiously for perhaps law reform, policy reform, institutional reform,
02:11or just generally speaking, national development in all its respect.
02:15The ministry says the interim task force will operate with defined terms of reference, including a chair and secretary, as
02:25it works to advance recommendations from the youth forum.
02:28Officials say the initiative is part of a wider strategy to strengthen youth engagement and build safer schools, families, and
02:37communities.
02:38Alexander Brusol, TV6 News.
