*There is an Unfolding Revolution in the Minds and Heart of African Youth!*
_By_
*Martins Chiedozie Ugwu*
_Johnmartinsworldonline@gmail.com _
_*"As a young African, I believe that I am part of a critical generation. A misunderstood generation. A bold generation. An unapologetic generation; rising up against injustice. My experiences in activism have taught me that young people, here and across the continent, are increasingly demanding radical change. My immediate point of reference is that of the recent protest from Algeria to Sudan, and guest next, Uganda!*"_
Whether Africa’s youth bulge will be a boon or a ticking demographic time bomb will depend on the extent to which African Governments implement sound policies and invest in human capital sectors such as tertiary education, vocational training, skills development, agriculture and food security, health, labour intensive job creation and encouraging entrepreneurship, as well as peace and security. Effective policies and measures are critical to harness the benefits of the potential demographic dividend. In addition, African Governments need support from a wide range of international partners and stakeholders as the Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved without the active engagement and contribution of Africa’s youth to identify their priorities, partner with development actors to foster robust implementation of the various development priorities.
Bad leadership they say is our problem and I totally agree. Is obvious that Africa’s current crop of leaders lack the political will, are out of touch and unwilling to change the status quo on the continent. With such a gaping age difference between the majority of people in Africa (the youth) and those who rule them, it’s no surprise the continent’s current leaders have no clue how the world is changing, and how it affects young people.
However, I’ve observed some interesting and powerful trends that indicates we’ve all been making a huge mistake: For decades, Africans have been looking up to its political leaders and the outside world to solve the continent’s problems but the truth is, leadership is not exclusive to the political class. And African youths need to understand this point very well. Young people in Africa have an untapped revolutionary leverage. Right now, they number over 700 million. By 2050, their number is expected to reach over 1.2 billion, the largest population of young people in world.
With 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, we as a continent are presented with a great opportunity and, possibly, a great challenge. Young Africans today are taking actions that not only have an immediate impact, but will also determine the future of the continent for decades to come. More need to be done and no better time to step up this effort than now.
Never has there been such weighty responsibility on the shoulders of young people. Never has there been the influence in the hands of young people like the influence they carry now. But for Africa to reap the dividends she has longed for, it is up to our generation to make sure that influence is channelled correctly and directed towards relevant issues that affect not only ourselves, but generations after us. This can only be achieved if we come together as young people and begin to address the challenges before us as a continent.
Together as Youth, we can build a new world in Africa soil.
……. Join the revolution.
Fellow Martins Chiedozie Ugwu is the Former International President of All African Students, Former Country representative of World Students Assembly,
Facilitator, Students for Change Initiative and Chancellor - Noble Youth Organisation of Africa.
➕2⃣3⃣4⃣8⃣0⃣3⃣7⃣5⃣5⃣3⃣1⃣9⃣0⃣
Johnmartinsworldonline@gmail.com
#Revolutionary
_By_
*Martins Chiedozie Ugwu*
_Johnmartinsworldonline@gmail.com _
_*"As a young African, I believe that I am part of a critical generation. A misunderstood generation. A bold generation. An unapologetic generation; rising up against injustice. My experiences in activism have taught me that young people, here and across the continent, are increasingly demanding radical change. My immediate point of reference is that of the recent protest from Algeria to Sudan, and guest next, Uganda!*"_
Whether Africa’s youth bulge will be a boon or a ticking demographic time bomb will depend on the extent to which African Governments implement sound policies and invest in human capital sectors such as tertiary education, vocational training, skills development, agriculture and food security, health, labour intensive job creation and encouraging entrepreneurship, as well as peace and security. Effective policies and measures are critical to harness the benefits of the potential demographic dividend. In addition, African Governments need support from a wide range of international partners and stakeholders as the Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved without the active engagement and contribution of Africa’s youth to identify their priorities, partner with development actors to foster robust implementation of the various development priorities.
Bad leadership they say is our problem and I totally agree. Is obvious that Africa’s current crop of leaders lack the political will, are out of touch and unwilling to change the status quo on the continent. With such a gaping age difference between the majority of people in Africa (the youth) and those who rule them, it’s no surprise the continent’s current leaders have no clue how the world is changing, and how it affects young people.
However, I’ve observed some interesting and powerful trends that indicates we’ve all been making a huge mistake: For decades, Africans have been looking up to its political leaders and the outside world to solve the continent’s problems but the truth is, leadership is not exclusive to the political class. And African youths need to understand this point very well. Young people in Africa have an untapped revolutionary leverage. Right now, they number over 700 million. By 2050, their number is expected to reach over 1.2 billion, the largest population of young people in world.
With 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, we as a continent are presented with a great opportunity and, possibly, a great challenge. Young Africans today are taking actions that not only have an immediate impact, but will also determine the future of the continent for decades to come. More need to be done and no better time to step up this effort than now.
Never has there been such weighty responsibility on the shoulders of young people. Never has there been the influence in the hands of young people like the influence they carry now. But for Africa to reap the dividends she has longed for, it is up to our generation to make sure that influence is channelled correctly and directed towards relevant issues that affect not only ourselves, but generations after us. This can only be achieved if we come together as young people and begin to address the challenges before us as a continent.
Together as Youth, we can build a new world in Africa soil.
……. Join the revolution.
Fellow Martins Chiedozie Ugwu is the Former International President of All African Students, Former Country representative of World Students Assembly,
Facilitator, Students for Change Initiative and Chancellor - Noble Youth Organisation of Africa.
➕2⃣3⃣4⃣8⃣0⃣3⃣7⃣5⃣5⃣3⃣1⃣9⃣0⃣
Johnmartinsworldonline@gmail.com
#Revolutionary
THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF AFRICAN YOUTH
Reviewed by Revolutionary
on
May 04, 2019
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