While there are those who were lucky enough to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth, we have to admit that majority of us are/were not as privileged. Rather than throw a pity party for myself, I sought to get up and work hard so that I could change my state of poverty. Unfortunately, this may not be as easy as it sounds.
How can we feed our mind positive thoughts, yet what engulfs us on a day to day basis is poverty, dismay, prejudice and greed?
Well, you do not have a choice but to wake yourself up and change your situation. Opportunity favours those who are prepared and you must be prepared. Don’t wait for handouts my dear friends. Ask yourself what you can do for your country and not what your country can do for you. Though our Government should be at the forefront in providing opportunities to empower young people.
The Government on the other hand needs to change the education dynamics in Kenya so that it focuses not only on theoretical knowledge but practical knowledge and skills. This will enhance the personal and career development of our young people making them employable and skilled to be entrepreneurs. As we continue to push development across the country, may we focus on training young people in each county so that they become self-independent and create jobs. I hope that this can be made mandatory for County Governments to implement going forward.
For those who have the privilege of working with and employing the youth, please do not threaten their livelihoods. Empower and mentor them. Give them the opportunity to learn and become better individuals. Don’t take advantage of them by making them work without pay or for less pay. They should be treated equally and earn what they deserve and have worked for.
To the young people, let these opportunities find you ready. You have been empowered with basic knowledge. Use it to start small and grow.
I hope we can all work together to empower the young people of this country and I hope the young people in turn, will not let us down.
Engaging the youth population fully is therefore no longer a choice but an imperative in the development process. They must be at the centre of sustainable development agenda.
