This is a series of blog posts concerning youth participation. The last one was published on 14 Jan 2008.
At one time in Nairobi, one of the participants in the youth leadership training program made this remark: ‘I have never realized that I can take up such a big responsibility.’
What she referred to was a small-scale project she designed during the program. The size of that project is about 400USD and she will be responsible for the implementation of the project.
Many youths, like all those young leaders participated in that program, have seen and experienced the social problems facing their communities, e.g. widespread drug abuse, HIV and AIDS, church conflict and extreme poverty, etc.
Most of them are eager to contribute themselves to help alleviate the problems but many barriers prohibit them from taking actions. The youths either lack resources or empowerment, or both.
When the youth were empowered and got access to the resources, at first they may doubt whether they can actually work it out. Soon they become excited for this long-awaited opportunity to respond to the vision given by God to each of them.
From my observation, youth participation, when it appears alone, is being seen as an important cause to promote. But when it appears together with other causes such as fighting HIV and AIDS and poverty, it becomes ‘less important’.
The point I want to make is: I believe youth participation is the key to many solutions. Youth participation and other causes are not mutually exclusive when it comes to getting attention and funding. The passion of youth, when transformed into actions, would be essential to tackle many pressing issues.
Let’s look at what kinds of projects the young participants planned in the above mentioned training program. The projects include organizing workshops to help stop drug abuse, training young single women with basic skills to support themselves, counseling and accompanying youth and children living with HIV and AID, etc.
Why Youth? Because we can be an important part of the solution.
I love this. A Chance, an opportunity is what a youth needs in other to manifest their God-given potentials. When you believe in a young person and give him necessary support. He will fly.
Caleb
I thank God for LWF who have discovered the secret of the vast potential that lies untapped in the youth of Africa. I have been a youth pastor for over 13years and i feel so touched every time i encounter a young person who I discipled a few years ago serving God in the career that God has called then into while keeping the faith and holding firmly to the teachings that they received in their earlier years of growth. Indeed an empowered youth, is an empowered nation.
God bless your work
Pastor Ken Aringo-Africa Director -Global Youth Ministry Network