THE YOUTHS CAN PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 In a recent article in the New Vision on 12th August 2024, it was noted that 81.4% of Ugandans are below 35 years. They should not only be celebrated, but their challenges should be confronted and addressed. This speaks volumes about the fate of youths in Uganda and the world at large. The youthful age is one of the most critical stages in a person's life and if well guided they can turn into a blessing in the country. Most of the leaders that have shaped this nation were nurtured from childhood. It means the youths play a critical role in the foundation and prosperity of Uganda. If not well guided they can become a "curse". This is because they can divert their energy into unproductive activities.

Just last year I saw a group of youths who wanted to beat up employees of a certain sports betting company in Bugiri District for failing to pay the money that they had been promised. In 2023 there was a video clip of a group of youths who during broad day light stole peoples' phones and valuable property on a certain road in Kampala . Still there has been an increasing trend of crime related to youths who beat up people and steal their property. A number of youths have sold off their land in the village to buy boda bodas in Kampala and other major towns. These youths borrow heavily to make ends meet ( more over at high interest rates from money lenders). 

With this state of affairs are the youths aware of the power they wield in shaping the sustainability agenda of Uganda? Are they aware that their actions and decisions positively or negatively affect the future generations of Uganda in particular and Africa in general? Are the youths involved in planting trees and conserving the environment?  In the Capital Magazine Africa 2024 page 79 it was noted that climate change is a major threat to international peace and security. The effects of climate change heighten competition for land, food and water, fueling socioeconomic tensions and, increasingly often, leading to mass displacement? How are the youths prepared in a globalized world characterized by Volatility Uncertainity Complexity and Ambiguity(VUCA). 

The youths can no longer give age as an excuse for not participating in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. The education system which plays a critical role in shaping the lives of the youths should be aligned to the ever changing global trends that affect humanity. Youths can no longer afford to work in isolation. To confront the global challenges affecting humanity collaboration is very critical.

Luckily a lot is being done in the area of youth empowerment by various stakeholders such as MasterCard Foundation, the government and private sector players such as Equity Bank . 

HOW TO EMPOWER THE YOUTHS AS AGENTS OF POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION

1.Nurturing them to discover their purpose

2.Developing their leadership skills

3.Providing them with patient capital

4.Realigning the education system to meet society's changing goals

5. Mindset change programs 

6.Promotion of vocational and technical education

7. Establishment of community libraries

8.Community service initiatives 

9.Youth mentorship 

10. Financial literacy trainings.


The youths are the majority in Uganda and Africa. They play a very critical role in the development of communities since they have energy. The youths can be a blessing if well nurtured to become agents of positive transformation. On the contrary they can also turn into a curse if not well nurtured. Sustainable Development considers the present and future needs . The youths should be mentored to prioritize sustainable development.


Phillip Kiryowa

Finance and Leadership Coach

+256752615916

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

THRIVING AMIDST UNEMPLOYMENT

 Ask any graduate what their worst night mare is and they will inform you that lack of access to a dignified employment opportunity is a big hurdle. Over 70% of Ugandans are below the age of 30 years of age. There are very many reasons why the unemployment rate needs to be addressed. Uganda has over 30 universities and all universities graduate over 300,000 graduates per year yet the formal sector produces on average 70,000 jobs. This mismatch is an indicator of the frustrations that the young people face. It was on media last year when I saw a group of able bodied youths who wanted to beat up staff of a sports betting company for failing to pay for their "Return on Investment" in Bugiri District. Iam not saying that all youths are involved in crime .What am trying to point out is that the probability of a youth without a job being involved in crime is high( after all there is a saying that an idle mind is a devil's workshop). Just this year there was youth who was killed
Read more

A SAVINGS PLAN CAN AID IN FINANCIAL ADVANCEMENT

 I remember during the Trainer of Trainers training conducted by Bank of Uganda we were encouraged to develop a savings plan. This was a key development because without a plan we may live in financial darkness. In my years of providing financial literacy across the country especially youths I have observed that the intangible practices that may be undermined play a big role in the big picture. I have been asked a question, "how can one save yet their needs exceed their income?. It is a tough question but the best practice remains that even in the hardest of circumstances we should prioritize saving .This is because we do not know what the future holds. As humans we forget so fast. Who remembers during the lock down of Covid-19 when people were not working. Life was extremely tough. It was an opportunity to reflect about the importance of savings during good times. A savings plan enables a person to determine why they are saving. It could be for school fees, buying a plot, a car an
Read more

WE CELEBRATE GRADUATION BUT AFTER THAT WHAT NEXT ?

 Uganda is officially dominated by young people. Over 50 %of the population are youths. With a high population the job market also shrinks yet people need to survive. It is the means of survival that create social pressure. The unemployment dilemma in the country can be dissected from different angles and each person or all stakeholders have a critical role to play.  Universities and other institutions of higher learning produce over 300,000 graduates per year. The job creation rate is about 70,000 jobs per year. This means that the job market is narrow. It is a common sight to see over 100 applicants for one job. This is a signal that something drastic must be done to change this trajectory. Development partners such as government, private sectors and donors such as Master Card Foundation are playing a critical role in addressing youth unemployment. In fact this suggests that fight against youth unemployment must be multifaceted.  During graduation season it is justifiable for any stu
Read more