Emerging National Issues (Youth Empowerment ) Civic Education SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

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Subject: Civic Education
Term: First Term
Week: Week 6
Class: SSS 1
Topic: Emerging National Issues (Youth Empowerment)

Previous Lesson:

Emerging National Health Issues (HIV/AIDS)

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define youth empowerment.
2. Describe the steps taken by the government to enhance and empower youth.
3. List the benefits and changes brought about by youth empowerment.

Instructional Materials:

• Wall charts
• Pictures
• Related online videos
• Flashcards

Methods of Teaching:

• Class discussion
• Group discussion
• Questioning
• Explanation
• Role modeling
• Role delegation

Reference Materials:

• Scheme of Work
• Online resources
• Textbooks

Content

Who is a Youth?

A youth is a young, strong, energetic adult whose age generally falls between 18 and 40 years. This group represents a large part of the working population and is often seen as the backbone of the country due to their energy and drive.

The United Nations defines “youth” as individuals between 15 and 24 years. However, this range may vary across different countries. In Nigeria, the youth age group is often recognized as between 18 and 35 years, representing about 47% of the country’s productive population.

Examples of youths:

• A university graduate preparing to enter the workforce.
• A 24-year-old entrepreneur launching a new business.

What is Empowerment?

Empowerment means strengthening, enabling, or giving someone the confidence and resources needed to achieve specific goals. It involves supporting individuals or communities so they can take control of their lives.

Empowerment helps build social, political, and economic strength, encouraging people to participate actively in society and improve their situations.

What is Youth Empowerment?

Youth empowerment is the process of providing young people with skills, resources, and opportunities to take control of their lives and make positive decisions for themselves and society. Through youth empowerment, young people develop leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, and the ability to contribute to community and national development.

Examples of Youth Empowerment Activities include:

1. Youth Farmer Club (YFC): Encourages agricultural involvement among youths.
2. African Youth Empowerment Nigeria (AYEN): Supports entrepreneurial skills among Nigerian youth.
3. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC): Provides practical experience and community service opportunities for Nigerian graduates.
4. Boys Scout Movement: Teaches self-reliance, teamwork, and survival skills.
5. Citizenship and Leadership Training Centres: Develops leadership and civic responsibility.

Youth Empowerment Skills and Their Importance

1. HIV/AIDS Education Programme: Educates youth about avoiding risky behaviors, especially premarital sex, reducing infection rates and promoting safe practices.
2. Abstinence Education: Teaches youths to build character traits and relationships based on mutual respect and responsibility.
3. Youth Empowerment Workshops: Provides training on stress management, emotional regulation, leadership, and relationships.
4. Art of Living Programme: Teaches young people how to manage stress, improve memory, and enhance personal well-being.

Importance:

• Encourages responsible decision-making.
• Reduces social vices among youths.
• Promotes mental and physical well-being.

Problems Affecting Youth Empowerment

1. Poor Monitoring and Supervision: Many youth empowerment programs suffer from ineffective monitoring, which impacts their success.
2. Poor Management of Resources: Recreational facilities and training centers often lack proper management, leading to poor service.
3. Lack of Funds: Youths who receive training are often unable to apply their skills due to financial constraints.
4. Inadequate Facilities: Basic infrastructure such as electricity and transportation is often lacking, affecting training and employment opportunities.
5. Negative Foreign Influence: Western cultures and practices can negatively affect youths, diverting them from productive activities.
6. Social Vices: Issues like armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping distract youths and hinder their progress.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as an Empowerment Scheme

The NYSC was established by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon on May 22, 1973. This program enables Nigerian graduates to develop practical skills, serve the nation, and foster unity.

Reasons for Establishment:

1. To foster national unity and integration among Nigerian youths.
2. To promote self-reliance by encouraging youths to develop skills for self-employment.
3. To break down stereotypes and ignorance about different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
4. To instill a spirit of discipline, industry, and patriotism among Nigerian youths.
5. To nurture a sense of national purpose and common identity.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: The teacher reviews the previous topic on emerging health issues.
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic on youth empowerment.
3. Step 3: Students share their understanding of youth empowerment and discuss examples, with the teacher providing corrections and guidance.

Evaluation Questions

1. Define youth empowerment.
   • a) Youth empowerment involves training and supporting young people.
   • b) Youth empowerment is only about financial support.
   • c) Youth empowerment means ignoring young people’s needs.
   • d) Youth empowerment limits young people’s choices.
2. List two youth empowerment programs.
   • a) Boys Scout and NYSC
   • b) Street rallies and protests
   • c) Family gatherings
   • d) TV commercials
3. Which of these is a key aim of NYSC?
   • a) Increase population
   • b) Encourage unity among Nigerian youths
   • c) Promote tax collection
   • d) Teach foreign languages
4. Which age group is typically considered “youth”?
   • a) 10 to 15 years
   • b) 15 to 24 years
   • c) 35 to 50 years
   • d) 5 to 10 years
5. Name one issue affecting youth empowerment.
   • a) Lack of supervision
   • b) Excessive funding
   • c) Too many resources
   • d) High literacy rates

Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank with Options)

1. A youth is typically considered someone between the ages of ______ and ______.
   a) 5-10
   b) 15-24
   c) 18-40
   d) 25-45
2. Youth empowerment means ______ young people with skills and resources to make informed decisions.
   a) ignoring
   b) controlling
   c) empowering
   d) restricting
3. Which of the following is a youth empowerment program in Nigeria?
   a) National Youth Service Corps
   b) Cinema Club
   c) Social Media Influence
   d) Football Leagues
4. Empowerment refers to giving individuals the ______ to perform tasks independently.
   a) wealth
   b) power
   c) weakness
   d) restraint
5. The Art of Living program aims to help youths manage ______ and emotions.
   a) finances
   b) stress
   c) time
   d) skills
6. The UN defines youth as individuals between ______ and ______ years of age.
   a) 10-20
   b) 18-40
   c) 15-24
   d) 25-35
7. One key reason for the establishment of NYSC is to foster ______ among Nigerian youths.
   a) disunity
   b) segregation
   c) unity
   d) hostility
8. Poor ______ of youth programs can hinder effective youth empowerment.
   a) training
   b) marketing
   c) monitoring
   d) studying
9. The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centres aim to teach youths ______.
   a) survival skills
   b) only math
   c) basic language
   d) driving skills
10. A common problem with youth empowerment in Nigeria is ______.
    a) excess funding
    b) lack of facilities
    c) low literacy rates
    d) foreign assistance
11. The NYSC was established on ______.
    a) May 22, 1973
    b) June 12, 1993
    c) October 1, 1960
    d) January 15, 1970
12. Youth empowerment workshops often focus on ______ management.
    a) stress
    b) time
    c) money
    d) technology
13. A key objective of youth empowerment is to develop ______ skills.
    a) only academic
    b) leadership
    c) entertainment
    d) fashion
14. Foreign influence can ______ youth empowerment in Nigeria.
    a) support
    b) harm
    c) promote
    d) ignore
15. Social vices such as ______ hinder youth empowerment.
    a) employment
    b) high income
    c) crime
    d) discipline

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs with Answers)

1. What age group is generally considered “youth”?
   • Typically, individuals aged 18-40, with the UN defining youth as 15-24.
2. What is youth empowerment?
   • It’s the process of equipping young people with skills and resources to control their lives.
3. Why is youth empowerment important?
   • It builds confidence, promotes self-reliance, and reduces dependence on others.
4. What are examples of youth empowerment programs in Nigeria?
   • NYSC, Youth Farmer Club, African Youth Empowerment Nigeria, Boys Scout.
5. How does NYSC empower Nigerian youths?
   • By promoting unity, building skills for self-reliance, and fostering patriotism.
6. What is the aim of HIV/AIDS education programs for youths?
   • To teach safe practices and encourage abstinence, reducing health risks.
7. What is a common problem affecting youth empowerment programs in Nigeria?
   • Poor management and lack of facilities.
8. How does foreign influence impact youth empowerment?
   • It can lead to adopting values that do not align with local culture, affecting youths.
9. What does the Art of Living program teach young people?
   • It focuses on stress management, improving memory, and emotional well-being.
10. Why was the NYSC established?
    • To promote unity, self-reliance, and reduce ethnic prejudices among Nigerian youths.
11. What is the significance of leadership skills in youth empowerment?
    • Leadership skills enable youths to positively influence their communities.
12. What is the role of youth empowerment in reducing social vices?
    • Empowered youths are less likely to engage in crime, focusing on positive goals.
13. How does lack of funds affect youth empowerment?
    • Many youths can’t apply learned skills or start projects due to financial constraints.
14. What does empowerment mean in general terms?
    • Empowerment is providing someone with the confidence and resources to succeed.
15. Why is monitoring important in youth empowerment programs?
    • Proper monitoring ensures programs achieve their intended goals and benefit youths.

Evaluation

1. Define youth empowerment.
2. List two examples of youth empowerment programs in Nigeria.
3. What is the age range defined as “youth” by the United Nations?
4. Mention one purpose of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
5. Explain why monitoring is important for youth empowerment programs.
6. Identify one problem affecting youth empowerment in Nigeria.
7. Describe the role of leadership skills in youth empowerment.
8. Why is youth empowerment essential in reducing social vices?
9. What is the role of the Art of Living program for youth?
10. List two benefits of empowering youths in society.

Conclusion

The teacher summarizes key points on youth empowerment, its programs, and its impact on society.