In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, growing social interconnectedness and economic shifts, today’s youth find themselves at a crossroads, facing both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges. While many young people, particularly in more developed or economically progressive nations, enjoy the benefits of technological innovation and improved living standards, youth in the least developed countries continue to grapple with serious economic hardships. Governments in these nations are working to address the needs of their young populations, though limitations in resources, along with political or social instability, often hinder their efforts.
To bridge the gap, individuals and NGOs have stepped in to provide crucial support. Youth Impact Ethiopia, a local NGO founded by two members of the Ethiopian Diaspora 20 years ago, is a good example.
According to the Organization’s Director, Hiwotu Kassaw, youth are increasingly vulnerable to various forms of addiction and addressing the challenges and helping them escape from such traps should not fall solely on the government. Every stakeholder must take part in the solution.
In this regard, Youth Impact Ethiopia takes a holistic approach to youth support. “Family-based services benefit parents and ensure that children receive the direct support and protection they need from their parents. As a means to fight absolute poverty, parents, especially single mothers, are given capacity-building training; financial assistance to engage in small businesses, generate income, save money, and sustain their family.”
According to Hiwotu, Youth Impact Ethiopia has a firm belief that discourages dependency. Instead, it promotes self-reliance and an entrepreneurial mindset. In order to achieve its goal, it works aggressively to equip parents or single mothers to value the culture of working and saving. “You don’t need to be rich or manage a big business to save. What is needed is to develop a new perspective how to manage life in a systematic way. In this regard, many of the single mothers we work with now understand the idea of how to run a small business and how to save. By doing so, it has been able to change the lives of many families meaningfully.
Hiwotu said that his Organization provides support to different vulnerable groups, ranging from financial support to university students to meal services at its center. What is more, recognizing the importance of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, the Organization provides holistic services to its members free of charge.
Another area of intervention involves youth-led community projects. Young people are encouraged to identify local challenges and develop solutions through volunteerism. “Our youth are actively involved in voluntary work during school breaks, both in their communities and beyond. It is one way they give back to society and grow as responsible citizens. In doing so, they discharge their responsibilities to the community,” Hiwotu remarked.
Peer discussion, which is the other key focus area of the Center, also plays an important role in sharing life experiences. The more youth and their parents discuss the challenges they face and the strategies they use to overcome the problems, the more they tend to improve their own lives and create better futures for their children.
Regarding the role of art (which is part of the Center`s program) in helping the youth and teenagers, Hiwotu said that the Center extends the necessary support to help them express themselves or pursue their future career paths. According to him, besides expressing themselves through painting, music, or other creative activities, the youth are also capitalizing on their talents to build their futures. What is more, Youth Impact Ethiopia is actively supporting academically successful students by providing the assistance they need, mainly when joining higher education institutions.
Indeed, the immense task of nurturing and empowering Ethiopian youth is a shared responsibility that extends far beyond the government alone. While the government plays a vital role in devising policies and delivering essential services, the holistic development of young people, socially, emotionally, economically, and creatively, necessitates the active participation of every individual and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In the rich cultural tapestry of Ethiopia, where tradition and modernity intertwine, a truly impactful approach must weave in the vibrant threads of visual art, music training, and diverse handicraft activities.
Likewise, visual art, music, and handcraft activities can profoundly impact the development of Ethiopian youth, offering powerful tools for self-expression, cultural connection, and personal growth. In Ethiopia, where storytelling is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, visual art creates a suitable platform for young people to express their experiences and emotions. Community art centers, supported by NGOs, can offer access to materials, mentorship, and safe spaces for creativity, fostering artistic talent, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills.
Similarly, music training has the potential to unlock many benefits for youth development. Music, a core part of Ethiopian culture, instills discipline, teamwork, and emotional expression. By offering access to music education in schools, community centers, and online platforms, NGOs can empower youth to connect with their cultural heritage and explore economic opportunities through performance and teaching.
This kind of community-driven initiative, independent of government mandates, promotes a sense of ownership and deepens civic engagement among young people.
Furthermore, handcraft activities offer an economic and empowering pathway for youth, especially in rural areas. Ethiopia’s rich tradition in crafts like weaving, pottery, and leatherwork provides a foundation for programs that teach both technical skills and business development. These programs can empower young people, especially women, by enabling them to create and sell their products, preserving cultural heritage while generating income.
A holistic approach to youth development, involving government, individuals, NGOs and communities, is crucial. By supporting initiatives in areas such as art, music and handicrafts, we can help young Ethiopians build creative, resilient futures while contributing to the nation’s progress.
BY LULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 9 MAY 2025
