Conference on Orphans and Vulnerable Children
6 July 2007
The Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, is to lead the
celebrations of World Population Day on 11 July in Pretoria, ahead of the
Conference on Orphans and Vulnerable Children by HIV/AIDS.
Every year on 11 July, World Population Day (WPD) is commemorated globally
including South Africa. The day highlights issues that are central in the
Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and
Development as well as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This yearâs WPD theme is âYoung Peopleâ (10 - 24 years old).
The objectives are:
* To create awareness and educational programmes that will promote youth
participation and leadership.
* To encourage dialogue and debates on youth and issues related to young
people in a manner that ensures that their voices are heard, needs are met and
human rights are protected.
* To provide and disseminate information on youth issues.
The key message of WPD is âYoung peopleâs energy, ideas and determination
are creating change.â The WPD celebrations will be marked with youth debates on
several topics including HIV/AIDS, disability, reproductive health and youth
development. In addition to the main event in Pretoria, all provinces will also
hold activities.
The highlight of this yearâs celebrations in Pretoria will be the media
launch of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Conference on
Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). The conference will be officially opened
on 12 July at Gallagher Estates, Midrand.
Dr Skweyiya will at the WPD celebrations hold a mini imbizo with about 20
young people who are delegates to the OVC conference. This is aimed at gaining
an understanding of what young people expect from the OVC conference and what
their needs are especially relating to HIV/AIDS, poverty and vulnerability.
Venue: Sammy Marks Square Library Hall, cnr Vermuelen and Van der Walt
Streets, Pretoria
Time: 09h00
Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Issued by: Department of Social Development
6 July 2006
