An interview with Khun Thomas, the head of the IEC Youth Affairs Department, about the department’s founding purpose, policy development, youth participation, and future initiatives
To address the educational needs of young people in Karenni State, who face limited opportunities and are affected by drug-related issues, the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) announced the establishment of a Youth Affairs Department on 5 February.
Officials from the department stated that during the interim period, their focus will be on youth rehabilitation, sports, drug awareness, education centers, and the development of various policies.
Kantarawaddy Times interviewed Khun Thomas, the head of the Youth Affairs Department under the IEC, about the department’s founding purpose, policy development, youth participation and future initiatives.
Q: Please tell us about the reasons behind the IEC’s decision to form the Youth Affairs Department?
A: The primary purpose of establishing the Youth Affairs Department is to create a small, focused department within the government. Among the departments, the Youth Affairs Department is the 12th one. The main reason for its formation is to address the needs of the youth in our state at this critical time. When we talk about the needs of young people, there are many aspects to consider. In my view, the Youth Affairs Department was formed in collaboration with other relevant organizations to focus on youth rehabilitation, sports, and the fight against drug abuse.
Q: What is the primary focus of this department for young people?
A: The department’s primary focus is on youth rehabilitation. Additionally, we aim to strengthen the cooperation between youth organizations and our government to improve the connection between young people and this department. In the youth and sports sector, we plan to encourage a spirit of sportsmanship and passion for sports among young people. Our department will also focus on raising awareness about youth issues, particularly drug prevention and control, with clear goals set in this regard.
Q: How will we address the issue of youth and drugs? What will be the main role of the Youth Affairs Department in this area?
A: The main approach we need to take in addressing this issue is that first, we must implement educational programs throughout the state. After these programs, our department plans to assist drug addicts in collaboration with security forces within our government. Another concern is the issue of underage drug users. We are currently discussing whether to send them to prison or explore other options. One plan we have is to place minors in our center, where we will carry out rehabilitation efforts, focusing on both mental and physical recovery.
Q: Is there anything the Youth Affairs Department can do to address issues such as taking action against young people involved in gambling, educating the youth, or rehabilitating them through alternative programs?
A: Since our government announced measures, we have seen a slight decline in the number of gambling cases, though it hasn’t completely disappeared. For those who are deeply trapped in gambling, we will address the issue step by step. We have rehabilitation strategies in place, such as educational programs, motivational support, and the knowledge dissemination. These efforts will focus on providing personal guidance to help individuals avoid falling deeper into gambling.
We will need to collaborate with other departments, as our Youth Affairs Department alone is not in a position to handle this issue. However, similar to other government departments within our IEC, the Youth Affairs Department has also developed plans to cooperate and work together with them to address the problem effectively.
Q: Will the Youth Affairs Department handle complaints filed by the people?
A: The main thing is that there are two types of situations. Some we observe directly, as you mentioned earlier. If we say that the center is fully operational and the processes are being implemented, we must also establish a complaint center. We need to focus on organizing and raising awareness as well. In short, we will always keep the door open for both types of situations.
Q: Is there an age limit that defines who qualifies as youth?
A: The Youth Affairs Department’s policy in Karenni State clearly defines youth as individuals between the ages of 16 and 35.
Q: Does the IEC have any arrangements for young people who joined the revolution after the coup, as well as for those who went abroad?
A: This has already been clearly stated. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 35 are considered youth and are eligible for any benefits provided by our government, whether they are abroad, in the military, or living locally. If legal action is taken, these individuals will be affected. What we can confirm today is that everyone within this age range is considered a youth.
Q: What role does youth participation play in the IEC, and how important is it?
A: The government department has a significant number of young people, accounting for about 60 to 70 percent, while older individuals make up a relatively smaller portion. For the entire state, I see this as an encouraging sign. Their participation is crucial. The role of youth is vital in rebuilding and saving our country. If you look at the current situation, the resistance against the military council is primarily led by young people. This demonstrates just how important youth leadership is in today’s context.
Q: There is also significant youth participation in the IEC. What percentage of decision-making do you think young people are capable of handling?
A: If you look at the entire state, young people are making most of the important decisions. It’s not that I’m disregarding the contributions of adults, but in the resistance sector, the youth’s ability and determination have been crucial in resisting the military council. We also have support from the elderly. Currently, in many government departments, decisions are largely being made by people within the age group I mentioned earlier. I believe that, thanks to the youth, we have been able to move forward quickly in implementing the state’s interim measures. Without the presence and involvement of young people, we can’t clearly say where the state would be or which direction it would take. I can only say that our progress is accelerated because of the youth’s contribution.
Q: Does the IEC Youth Affairs Department offer any support for young people who were unable to attend school during the revolution, whether in terms of career opportunities or pursuing hobbies?
A: Yes, we do. This is part of our process. It’s not just after the coup; many young people were unable to continue their education during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to consider this, as it has been five or six years. These individuals are neither active in the revolution nor continuing their education, and there are many such youth in our state. We have special plans for them, but I can’t share the details of these projects just yet. However, I can confidently say that our department is well-established and will gradually implement these initiatives once everything is organized.
Q: Given that the Youth Affairs Department was recently established, how is it currently operating?
A: We can’t do everything all at once. Those who have taken on new responsibilities need to transition from their previous roles. The IEC has a well-thought-out plan with clearly written policies and guidelines. At the moment, we are still in the process of finalizing the policy details.
Q: What are the conditions, difficulties, and challenges involved in policy formulation?
A: There are many challenges. This is not our area of expertise, and working in a government department requires us to study and learn more. While we are making progress, there are still numerous difficulties along the way. However, to overcome these challenges as effectively as possible, the four departmental heads meet every day to collaborate.
Q: As a departmental head, is there anything you would like to share with the young people of Karenni State? What message would you like to convey?
A: When we take responsibility for these young people, it’s not because we have all the knowledge, but because we recognize the need for it. Our department is small, so we require everyone’s support and guidance. Collaboration from all individuals is essential in our process. I would like to say that any qualified young person is welcome to join our department, take on responsibility, and contribute to the work. As the resistance efforts we are engaged in continue, all the youth in our state must come together, fulfill their responsibilities, and play their respective roles. This way, we can ensure that we don’t turn our backs on important matters like these.
We need to bring in new energy and strength. Additionally, our main common enemy, the military council, is weakening, so we must make the most of this opportunity. In short, we have many needs, and I ask for your support in our work. We are always open to hearing what is required. We won’t be able to survive ourselves in the long term without the support of the people for the government department. I appeal to everyone to take responsibility, offer help, and provide support.
Soon, our revolution will reach a new level, and we need to remain united as we move towards the fastest path to victory. I want to tell young people that if they wish to take on government roles, they are welcome to join us in any department. Ultimately, we understand that challenges will arise as we continue to work towards establishing a strong government that can transform the state through this interim plan. Therefore, the public must provide clear criticism and point out any shortcomings. Even though we have this government in place, we won’t be able to achieve much without the support of the people. I urge everyone to offer advice and support so that the work of this government can be carried out more quickly, effectively, and harmoniously.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times