Day 3 of the All Africa Youth Congress started with a Breakfast at the Dinner Hall followed by a Morning Biblical and Leadership Reflection led by a worship and prayer working group: Central Africa and Francophone regions. The reflection focused on the theme; Campaigning for African Dignity, a short hymn, responsorial prayer, and benediction.
The story of Elmina Castle:
According to the management of the castle, The Portuguese built the castle of St George El Mina in 1482, in a region rich in gold and ivory resources. Elmina Castle is one of West Africa’s oldest standing buildings; it means ‘the mine’ in Portuguese. It was also the first permanent structure south of the Sahara built by the Europeans. The dungeons are the most poignant a reminder of those dark times. The castle served as an outpost for the Portuguese to trade their goods for slaves, many thousands being kept in the dark, damp dungeons. It was also heavily guarded against attacks by other European empires that were keen on gaining its strategic position, yet not so heavily guarded against less likely inland attacks by the Africans. The cannons are still in evidence from the conflicting time.
They further stated that the castle was at first a trading station for the countries gold, ivory and timber, but later developed into a point on the notorious slave triangle transporting human cargo to America and the Caribbean, raw materials such as cotton and rubber to Britain and manufactured goods such as clothing and weaponry back to the West Coast of Africa. Adding that there were many horrors witnessed in the castle as the slaves were not only detained but were also tortured before being shipped to the ‘New World’.
In the Main Plenary 2 of day 3 in the ongoing congress, the moderator Moses B. Cole hosted Hassan Ahmed Hassan of Somalia, Gershhinen Paul Dajur of Nigeria Ms. Wafar Misrar of Morocco and Ms. Afrik Babazile of South Africa on a 45minuts panel Discussion on generational mission towards restoring the spirit of pan Africanism with special reference to the role of youths the generational mission of campaigning to restore the dignity of Africa. The panel discussion ended with responding to questions, comments, and contributions from delegates.
Ms. Lydia Rubi Binos is a social entrepreneur from Nigeria she spoke about social entrepreneurship and opportunities for job creation for youths in Africa. According to her, there are countless reasons why people decide at a certain moment in their lives to start their own business. Some see a good business opportunity; others feel challenged by several issues. They may have an education and set of skills but cannot find employment. The lack of jobs among young people has consequences on their health, wellbeing, and future. Hence, one of the ways to get young people into the labor market is through youth entrepreneurship. Not only does it provide employment prospects to inexperienced youth, but it has an impact on economic growth through new jobs, increased competition, and innovation.
Ms. Lydia Rubi Binos emphasized that, Young people, and not only them, who set up a new business are seen as role models from their peers Although most successful entrepreneurs can be young adults or older, there is always the chance for young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful businesses. If this happens in a vulnerable or disadvantaged community, the impact can be huge compared to helping the economic and social development in those communities. ‘’One of the biggest advantages of getting started with entrepreneurship at a young age is the opportunity to learn important skills such as teamwork, networking, problem-solving, critical thinking, innovation, self-discipline, etc. All these skills can help in school performance and later in life.’’ She noted
For the workshop/side events, the delegates were placed into eight groups for inept discussion and understanding of various topics ranging from confronting irregular migration and human trafficking, Complexities of population and demographic dividend, youth and sexual reproductive health in Africa, Deconstructing legacies of slavery (Changing the narrative), Abundant Africa initiative, Caring for a child is critical for a safe and secure society, empowered to challenge-a focus on education, Health, protection and development dimensions of the youth population and advocating for climate justice.
Meanwhile, the exhibition and a free hour of interaction and relaxation, dinner, evening praise, and worship, and cultural evening that involved dance, music, art and culture, spoken words, and display of other African cultures formed a high point of the day 3 session.
By Emmanuel Koroma