KUCHING: State Assemblyman for Batu Kitang Lo Khere Chiang expressed concern about the growth in youth problem behaviours like youth delinquency, joblessness and drug abuse has led to increased interest in the development of positive youth programmes and a surge in funding for suchlike programmes in the constituency.
Speaking at a meeting at Mesyuarat Ahli Jawantankuasa Saberkas Cawangan yesterday morning to curb the problem, he said they will evaluate the potential of youth sport programmes to foster positive youth development, while decreasing the risks of problem behaviours.
‘We propose that Saberkas youth sport programmes actively work to assure positive outcomes through developmentally appropriate designs and supportive youth relationships.
“Our applied sports programming model highlights the important roles of policy-makers and sport organisations, especially with regards to fostering positive youth development. During our meeting, planning of Bowling, Futsal and Football tournaments are in the agenda for youth in the Batu Kitang constituency.
“We need youth programmes to help fight problems of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and crime. We have also pointed out that problem free youth may not be youths who are fully prepared to productively engage in society,” he said.
Optimal youth development programmes enable individuals to lead healthy, satisfying, and productive lives as youths because they are able to gain the competence and satisfaction of earning a living, to engage in civic activities, to nurture others, and to participate in social relations and cultural activities.
It has been suggested that through optimal youth development programmes, good youths emerge. “Good youth” can be defined as youths who have experienced more positive than negative effects, are satisfied with their lives as it has been lived, to recognize what they do well and use their strengths to fulfill pursuits, and to be contributing members of society.
“I genuinely hope our youth of today will be able to absorb the positivity of life and be guided towards the betterment of their community,” Lo said.
