LET THAT DREAM JOB FIND US BUSY DOING SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE

 I have spent the last 5 years training scores of youths in financial literacy training across the country. What I have noted is that Uganda's youths are very enterprising and resourceful. No wonder Uganda is ranked as one of the most entrepreneurial nations in the world. However in interacting with the youths especially at universities I have realized that there is a need for a change in attitude in how some university students view education. Some of the students think that education is meant to be only a shortcut to a dream job. Where as this is a noble aspiration it is a limited view of the purpose of a degree. 

In his book After University What Next, Ambrose Kibuuka points out the dilemmas of today's university students. A number of them read to pass and they do not have a clear plan for their next life. Every one can do something constructive and add value to society. A number of university students have a routine life. They only attend lectures and then go back to hostel. They do not interest themselves in the world. Rarely do some read newspapers to see what is happening in society. Others do not have mentors that can shape their opinions . 

In a nation where over 70% of the population is below 30 years it is important that these youths are mentored into agents of positive transformation. It seems that education is making some youths even fear their own power. The youths feel that without formal academic papers they can not do anything constructive. This explains why in the Daily Monitor of 24th May 2025 it was pointed out that many youths have opted for gambling as a means of survival. It is a tragedy that requires an urgent solution. Every youth should be useful to society. Nations such as Singapore have developed because they impart leadership skills into the youths. The youths are trained in practical skills and they start cottage industries. That is how nations develop. Today we have a generation of youths who have lost hope in their dreams. They need a helping hand.

The youths of today should become critical thinkers and problem solvers . I have always challenged the university students especially dong Business Administration that they can start businesses even while still at university. Bill Gates started Microsoft while still a student at university. Mark Zuckerberg became a billionaire at a young age after forming Face Book. The big question to ask is what are the young people doing with their time? How are they using technology to enhance their skills and market their abilities?

Banks such as Equity Bank have financial literacy programs for youths and access to loans at an affordable rate. How are youths utilizing such opportunities to enhance their lives. Today potential employers are looking for employees who have initiative and are problem solvers. This is what is demanded of every youth in Uganda.

For individual and corporate financial literacy training contact:

Coach Phillip Kiryowa

Personal Finance Coach(CMA)

Master Trainer, Bank of Uganda 

Founder, Advanced Empowerment Link

0752615916

For Financial Freedom and Sustainable Enterprises.

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