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With over 34 million people between the ages of 15 and 24, Brazil has today more young people than all European countries together. Their problems, such as early pregnancy, difficulty in access to formal education, culture, and jobs, are also monumental.
According to the National Youth Secretary, Beto Cury, over 17 million of Brazilian youngest citizens (51%) are outside the school system.
The Young Voices event, which began today, March 21, intends to discuss the challenges faced by young people and to define an action plan for the next 12 months.
"We are living a very inspiring moment in Brazil because youth themes have acquired an extremely positive status for Brazilian democracy," said Beto Cury, citing the creation of the Secretariat last year.
Over 100 youngsters participated in the event promoted by the National Youth Secretariat, World Bank, and United Nations (UN) agencies.
The objective is to stimulate young people to participate in the elaboration and implementation of government youth policies.
"This event will foster this dialogue and, no doubt, it will give young people a chance to have a say in the programs already being undertaken by the federal government," said Matilde Ribeiro, Minister of the Special Secretariat for the Promotion of Racial Equality Policies.
A representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), Marie-Pierre Poirier, also participated in the opening ceremony.
Translation: Andréa Alves
ABr
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