Dear Editor,
I believe young people play a crucial role in our society and ought to be given the right opportunities to generate greater impacts and acknowledgement. Often, we hear them being the future but that is far from the truth. Today, we have a generation of young and vibrant youths whose abilities and qualities are exceptional, hence, we must put them in the places where their capabilities and skills can shine through. We should adjust our beliefs regarding the way we perceive the abilities of young people. Not all young people or the majority are allowed to grow and express themselves freely. There are many gifted, talented and skilled young people in our nation who lack opportunities for upward mobility. Some may never get a chance at the top of the ladder because of the stereotype and status quo of our culture and society. Besides, young people are afraid to speak out when they are uncomfortable and places where their voices have been suppressed. Consequently, many of them remain complacent and refuse to pursue new challenges and persevere through difficult circumstances to make a difference or change their realities. Opening doors that provide platforms for our young people to be involved in decision-making and policy formulation, innovation and designing new tools, places them at the forefront of transformation and development.
For too long the needs and aspirations of young people have been kept in the dark. In like manner, many youth leaders are not recognised enough for the roles that they play in driving change in our communities and national levels. Many names remain anonymous and may never be known, their sacrifices unheard of. Yet when we allow young people to take up spaces, we are giving them a place for themselves. Others will see their work and desire to follow them. While we cannot change history, we can shape our future by preparing young minds to be creative visionaries for a better tomorrow. Tomorrow is theirs but there is no tomorrow if we do not make them ready today. Further, not many young people are supported when they are seeking to initiate a new adventure or project. Their ideas and thoughts to bring something to the table are countless times ignored but I wonder the difference it would make if they felt acknowledged for participating and contributing towards something that is valuable. Here in Guyana, young leaders and youth in general struggle to make it to the top or to be seen and recognised for their worth, brilliance and dexterity.
There are several youth-led bodies that have meaningful spaces and opportunities for young people to host capacities of leadership such as YAN, UGSS, Rotaract Club Georgetown, Guyana National Youth Council, Toastmasters Club, Ministry of Human Services, etc. At the same time, I commend young minds such as Matthew Gaul, Mahendra Phagwah and Samantha Sheoprasad, exemplars of what it means to empower young people and afford them opportunities to do what they love and taking up spaces with what they are passionate about whether at the granular level or a molecular stage. I have grown to admire the work and efforts of these youth-leaders who in their own unique ways took up the mantle to do extra-ordinary things in our country. Their enduring and unwavering actions are commendable and applaudable. Needless to say, they are where they are because someone saw their value and appreciated their aptitudes and capabilities. We need to foster more environments to bring forth young leaders like these who are confident and firm, and are able to bring thoughts and ideas into reality. We must close the gaps for young people to take up spaces in politics, national development, economic transformation, science and technology, social sciences and the medical fraternities. Further, age should not be a deterrent as to why young people should not be allowed to take up various roles and positions. If they have the knowledge and the maturity to do so, we should pave the way for them to come forth.
Many young people are dragging their feet simply because the spaces that they are in are crowded and shrouded with social norms and established bureaucracies that prevent them from introducing new outlooks, concepts and viewpoints which can have significant impacts on the methods and approaches of our lives and livelihoods. So, when we talk about giving young people spaces, I wish that we evaluate our thoughts, words and choices and consider, if we are really giving them spaces. A large number of young people can attest that when they attempt to constructively voice their concerns, they were opposed and subsequently repressed. Finally, we need enriching environments that nurtures the qualities and characteristics of our young people to grow into better individuals and champions. Young people should not be defined and hindered by economic status, race, gender, sexual orientation, academic background and stature or appearance. They should be given equal treatment across all sectors of our region, communities and workplaces to endeavour into becoming stable and strong leaders.
Sincerely,
Imran Bacchus