AGE IS JUST A NUMBER WHEN IT COMES TO ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 Wayne Roony was 16 years when he was summoned to the English national team. He used the chance to contribute to his country. By the time of His death Jesus was around 30 years but he transformed the world. Ben Carson was branded an academic dwarf in school . This same black American doctor went on to separate the Siamese twins. All these examples show us that age is just a number and should not limit our God given potential.

As a financial literacy trainer who spends a lot of time speaking to youths I find that many of them are unaware that being young is an advantage in life. Some misuse their time in drugs, gambling and other unproductive ventures. I have witnessed youths die due to drug abuse. What is required in a nation  where over 70% of the population is below 30 years is to enable them to discover the productive use of their time.

We are living in a generation that wants wealth in an instant. I was surprised when I went to a certain training and the youths thought that we had come with money the same day. Some youths have a lot of potential to develop but they discount their abilities. They leave the opportunities to the chosen few. Today the predominant thoughts of young people is to go to the Middle East .It is not bad to go to the Middle East but it should not be seen as the last resort. The youthful age is a precious gift from God that must be used wisely and it is important that development stakeholders such as government and religious institutions should partner with the youths to enable them to find their footing in the development agenda. The youths should become agents of social transformation and not victims of the development agenda.

The increase in crime especially in many parts of Kampala City is linked to youth unemployment. When a youth is unemployed he or she will resort to any means of survival regardless of the consequences.

HOW TO EMPOWER YOUTHS

1.Invest in life long learning

2.Invest in financial literacy education

3.Enable them to start savings groups

4.Reform the education system

5.Enable them to access cheap capital

6.Teach them servant leadership 

7.Digital literacy skills

8. Invest in vocational and technical education

9.Access to cheap capital

10.Intensify values education

Age is just a number when it comes to accomplishments in life. But why is it that many of Uganda's youths are not enhancing their God given potential despite the fact that Uganda is credited to be a very resource endowed country. What is the missing link?

Phillip Kiryowa

Finance and Leadership Coach

+256752615916 


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