Young Democracy Rising
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - Editor: Tiep Seiha
A youth festival held last month in Prey Veng province was held by Youth Council of Cambodia (YCC) to raise youth's awareness of democracy and job market in Cambodia. YCC is the organization seeks active participation of youth in strengthening democracy, human rights, environment, health, gender for sustainable development of Cambodia.
Around 7,000 Cambodian youths participated actively in the event for the two days. Mao Puthyroath director of YCC said, “It has been a more successful program so far, and our sixth time we've set out to the provinces was very impressive.”
About 40 booths representing different NGOs such as Afesip, human rights organization, Documentation Center of Cambodia and Center for Social Development that is the organization promoting democratic in Cambodia, were set up to inform the young people there about different topics concerning preparing for jobs, human trafficking, the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, encouraging public debates and leadership, and understanding democracy, said YCC director.
The event was sponsored by the International Republic Institute (IRI) that is non-profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing freedom of and democracy worldwide by helping to support civil institutions, open elections and good governance partnered with the US agency, USAID, said Matt Lakin, IRI officer.
"Our objective is to engage as many youths as possible and expose them to democracy," said John Willis, Resident Country Director of IRI.
"I'm very impressed with young people here who joint the public debates about democracy and leadership," John Willis added.
These young people are great talents for the country and leaderships that haven't been discovered, he added.
16-year-old Sak Srey Roath who competed in the public debates was excited about the first event in Prey Veng. "This is my first experience to see such a great event; it gives me freedom to think and express my ideas," she said.
Sak Srey Roath was considered as one of the best youngest speakers in the debates although she lost to the young boy who could attract more listeners to his topic than she did.
John Willis commented that the event aimed at giving more chances to enthusiastic young people residing in provinces and a lot of good responses from the youth were given.
By Kounila Keo and Lim Seangheng
