The UN World Population Prospects estimate that there are 1.3 billion 15-24 years old in the world and nearly one billion live in developing countries where conflict is more likely to have taken place. In such demographic realities, the potential youths hold for change and positive action is the subject of growing research agenda, and this is particularly the case with the recent wave of social upheavals and humanitarian crises in different parts of the world.
For much of human social interaction, the category called ‘youth’ has been perceived as a historically constructed social category, a relational concept, and as a group of actors that is far from homogenous. A myriad of factors make childhood and youth highly heterogeneous categories in terms of gender, class, race, ethnicity, political position as well as age. They also have multi-faceted contributions. Youths can be heroes as well as victims, saviors and courageous in the midst of crisis, as well as criminals in the shantytowns and military entrepreneurs in the war zones. Yet, as a category, youth are often approached as a fixed group or demographic cohort.
Ethiopia is a country its demographic makeup is characterized by a large youth population. As studies indicate, over 70 percent of its population is under 30 years of age who have immense economic potential. Owing to this and other similar reasons, working on youth is the most practicable and instrumental task to ensure comprehensive development. It is known that Ethiopia, within its broader effort to build and consolidate democracy, has embarked on a series of political and institutional reforms nationwide.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, an elderly man from the Sidama community, Wondwossen Kassa said that senior citizens should discharge the responsibility to provide the youth invaluable lessons and share their experiences that would put the country on a solid foundation. “If the elderly do not lead the young wisely, it would be difficult to keep intact and pass down cultures, norms and entrenched values to the next generations. Thus, we, at any cost, should move towards changing the outlook of the new generation.”
According to Wondwossen, nowadays, divisions and being green-eyed are rife in Ethiopia and some people are demonstrating these unhelpful feelings. Therefore, every parent should shoulder the responsibility of teaching children about communities’ longstanding values and cultures such as, forgiveness, love, tolerance, sovereignty, productivity, and compassionate aspects. Indeed, the new generation should draw important and influential lessons from forefathers and foremothers about nationality, arts, culture, love, unity, and sense of national belongingness.
Tagay Artist Adugna Dumu (PhD), 68, said for his part that leading the youth through constructive ways should not be left to a single body; it rather requires the combined effort of families, communities, educational institutions, government agencies, and the like. Also, giving serious attention to culture has been underlined as it is of paramount importance in shaping the new generation to develop a positive attitude towards the home nation.
“Ethiopia has been facing immense challenges due to the terrorist TPLF faction. Following this devastating scenario, a number of innocent citizens are killed, millions are displaced and immeasurable private and public properties were looted and damaged. However, the incumbent has attached due emphasis to homegrown matters, cultures, productivity paths, language and others. Yes, it is the right time for the elderly to educate and shape children, the youth and the community at large as rightly as possible,” Tagay underlined.
Meanwhile, in a discussion held at Bonga Town with youths and various sections of the community, Negash Wagesho (PhD), Deputy Chief Administrator of South West Ethiopia Peoples’ State said with the effort exerted to sustain the unity and peace of the country the part the youths play is crucial.
As to him, the young generation is not only a successor for tomorrow, but leading today’s Ethiopia and shaping its future is in his hand. Thus, this generation should put its fingerprints in the country’s overall paths to development, unity and peace. He also underscored the need to safeguard the peace and security of his surrounding and the nation by developing rational thinking.
Mentioning the role, the youth can have in country’s transformation and the role of the media in making information accessible, he urged the young generation to put on their potential in nation building efforts; and be watchful on issues that are beneficial to nation building.
In sum, youths have great talents and are always desirous to fulfill their ever-increasing demands. However, unless the society or the government put in place the right response to help them satisfy some of their demands, the youths are likely to develop deviant behaviors. And the complaints of senior citizens cannot stop somewhere.
This segment of the society can be a powerful development force if and only if provided with the necessary skills, knowledge and civic virtues. Indeed nowadays, youths are playing a prominent role involving in innovation, research and scientific studies for the betterment of our planet. Hence, their contribution is massive in transforming the world’s economy. Ethiopia being the second populous nation in Africa offers the youth with various opportunities. Scaling up the good practices and overcoming the challenges, the nation will continue being a safe haven to the youth in the years to come. The 2017 World Population Data Sheet states that the world youth population (ages 15 to 24) is projected to rise to 1.4 billion by 2050 from 1.2 billion now. Similarly, Africa’s youth population will be projected to 35 percent from 20 percent today.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 2 JUNE 2022
