# HEAD OF STATE'S MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH ON THE OCCASION OF THE 48TH EDITION OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY
Yaounde, 10 February 2014
My dear young compatriots,
Last year, under the same circumstances, I told you that I was aware of your doubts and worries about an uncertain future. But I added that we had reason to hope and that, to me, the country's prospects seemed brighter.
Recent trends in employment statistics seem to bear me out.
The 2013 forecasts for new jobs stood at 200 000. The number of jobs actually created was about 12% higher, reaching nearly 225 000. Private enterprises in various sectors, alone, provided 165 000 jobs. For its part, the Administration, through its different branches, provided 60 000 jobs.
Higher targets have been set for 2014. With the possible increase in the country's growth rate, we hope to create more than 250 000 new jobs. Of course, this will not benefit only the youth. However, one can surmise that they will be the main beneficiaries.
This vision stems from a logical analysis of the situation of our economy which is expected to grow by about 5% in the coming months. In this regard, I expressed my view a few weeks ago. I still believe that we can do better. I am strongly convinced that we will.
My dear young compatriots,
In this race for growth which, in 20 years, should set our country on the path to economic emergence, you have a vital role, a crucial role to play.
In the coming years, who will build our:
- major energy, agricultural and industrial projects;
- road, port and aviation infrastructure;
- water supply and electricity distribution works;
- thousands of low-cost houses;
- hospitals and health centres;
- primary and secondary schools and universities?
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You, of course, my dear compatriots.
Therefore, you should right now start preparing yourselves seriously for this task, whether in primary school, secondary school or university. We need and will need thousands of skilled workers, qualified technicians, excellent engineers, competent accountants and salespersons, and so on. Our educational system at its different levels had already opted for professionalization. We will soon witness its impact, which you will find remarkable.
Those who have already entered the work force and who are practising the trades learned "on the job" will need more training opportunities. As we expect a revival of our economy, we should be capable of meeting the demand for many specialists in various trades. We can no longer be content with supplying mere labourers, leaving the best jobs to others. Such better-trained professionals will join the ranks of craftsmen who are in high demand.