Margao, Sept. 29: What kind of Goa does the younger generation want to inherit? What are their concerns about the State’s social and political situation, and what changes do they want to see?

With the aim of bringing young voices to the centre of this conversation, Enough is Enough, Goa will organise ‘Youth Connect’, an open and interactive session for young Goans to share their concerns, ideas and aspirations for the State.

The programme, organised by Tahir Noronha and Shohail Furtado in association with Enough is Enough, Goa, will be held on October 2 from 3 pm to 7 pm at Grace Church Hall, Margao. Retired Justice Ferdino Rebello, Convenor of Enough is Enough, Goa, will deliver the keynote address.

Justice Rebello has repeatedly emphasised the importance of greater youth participation in issues concerning Goa. He has expressed concern that unless young Goans become aware of the challenges facing the State and participate actively in shaping its future, they risk becoming increasingly disadvantaged in their own homeland.

Against this backdrop, Youth Connect has been conceived as “a space for the youth to speak and a platform for their voices to be heard.”

Participants will be encouraged to speak about issues affecting their villages, towns and Goa as a whole, share the social initiatives and other work they are involved in, and put forward ideas about the State’s future. The interaction will also cover issues such as employment, development and the social and political environment from the perspective of young Goans.

The organisers said the initiative is intended not merely to discuss issues about young people, but to listen directly to them and create an environment where they can question, debate and express themselves freely.

Parents and elders have also been urged to encourage young members of their families to attend.

“Let the youth speak. Let their voices be heard,” the organisers said, inviting young Goans to bring their questions, concerns, hopes and ideas to Youth Connect.