Energising our youth, the future of Africa
Undeniably, the youth are indeed the future of every nation. That is why the success and prosperity of all nations depend on the kinds of investment made in young people. If proper investments are not made to harness the potential of the youth, not only will they suffer but the nation would equally suffer.
Advertisement
It is, therefore, in recognition of this fact that the theme for the African Union this year is, “Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth”. Ghana joins the rest of Africa tomorrow, May 25 to observe African Union Day which commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963.
The African Union emerged from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) established with a Charter signed by 32 countries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1963. The AU replaced the OAU in 2002 with 51 member states.
As we observe the day tomorrow, what better honours can we bestow on our gallant leaders such as Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Toure of Guinea, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia among others who started the crusade for the unity of Africa 54 years ago, than to invest in the youth so that they would continue with their legacy for continental unity.
Significance of investing in the youth
It is universally acknowledged that Africa is the only continent in the world where the population of the youth would significantly increase between 2010 and 2100. By 2100, it is said almost half of all the world’s youth including children would be African. But what kind of investment are we making towards their future?
One of the best ways of investing in children and the youth to yield appreciable benefits is through education. Education is crucial to the lives of all people as it facilitates learning, knowledge and skills.
An educated child is most likely to be independent in life and contribute to the development of the family and society. By providing children and the youth with the requisite education, it will empower them mentally, socially and intellectually.
It is through such means that the nation would produce qualified human resources to run its affairs. Without an educated youth who possess the requisite skills for the nation to develop, the future would be bleak.
It is for this and other reasons that parents are encouraged to ensure that they enrol their children (both boys and girls) in school. Poverty should not be a reason to deny any child education. With the current Free Compulsory Basic Education policy of the government and the soon to be implemented free senior high school policy, all parents need to ensure that their children benefit by sending them to school.
Children should also be made to appreciate the importance of education so they take up all opportunities at their disposal to improve on themselves for the future. To ensure that children’s interest in education does not wane, the government should also provide enough schools with the needed teaching and learning materials.
Equally important in the investment of the youth is healthcare.The health of a nation’s youth is prime as poor healthcare of the population would result in low productivity.
To achieve this, therefore, all communities need good healthcare facilities which are accessible to all. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that children receive the needed healthcare they require always. There is also the need for enough adolescent/youth clinics in all health facilities to address the needs of adolescents.
The future of Africa, is indeed, the youth so let us invest in them now so that they would be armed with the needed skills to lead our continent forward.
As Africa celebrates this day, therefore, it is prudent for all young people to resolve to be good ambassadors of the continent and strive for the best in life. Let all young people determine to be good leaders when the mantle of leadership is handed to them.