By Pamela Okutoyi
12th August! I mean today. The day designated to celebrate the #Youth.
The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.
I am sorry, I will not celebrate. Not because there is nothing to celebrate, but for the sake of not turning a blind eye on the larger percentage of youth who are not even aware of this day.
The pace of life and competition around us is too much. Many of us are struggling emotionally to cope with the uncertainties presented by life.
The influence of social media has set the new frontier for pressures that influence how young people see their place in the world. Success is dictated by the constant addictive drive of what others think of you.
Lack of decent jobs and with the difficulty in finding employment has pushed most youth in seasonal or hazardous jobs in the informal sector.
Those that choose entrepreneurship are faced with obstacles that prevent them from achieving their best.
Societal norms and expectations have done more harm than good.
I call on leaders and adults everywhere to do everything possible to enable the world’s youth to enjoy lives of safety, dignity and opportunity and contribute to the fullest of their great potential.
António Guterres
I have faith in young people and I believe we can bring change. But how on earth are we expected to do so on our knees?
To say our leadership has failed dismally is an understatement.
So I implore to you, the average citizen to ensure our youth rise and fly and that they are well equipped to live the future you envision.
Thanks for reading.