Preparing Youth to become Change Agents

Written by Lamelle Shaw M.A.

Africa is the world’s youngest continent. Youth comprise more than 60% of the continent’s current population and by 2030 are expected to constitute 42% of the global youth.?In Rwanda, that figure stands even higher at 78%.

National peace is only sustainable if youth are included as part of the agenda. They represent such a sizable proportion of Rwanda’s society that it is imperative to ensure they are part of any plans to deter and solve conflicts in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

By building on the drive, energy, passion, and creativity that they naturally have, youth can be supported to become powerful agents of change.

According to Agon Maliqi from UNICEF, “There is nothing more sustainable than investing in the confidence and capacities of creative and energetic youth.”

What support do they need?

We often associate youth with opportunities, but young people face major challenges as well, such as high unemployment rates, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, mental health complications, family conflict and more, and must fight to overcome these challenges.

Some of the tools that can assist them in this fight to become credible and respected advocates for themselves and their communities include the following:

-Provide vision and guidance

Mentorship from adults helps to create awareness and take advantage of available opportunities. Guidance on how to navigate life and learn from mistakes, assists them to create strategies for their future.

-Teach critical thinking

Critical thinking education goes beyond the classroom and can be embedded in opportunities at home and in the community. Through traditional and social media channels, youth are more informed and have more chances to evaluate, discuss and critique global topics and issues affecting their communities. Conscious reflection can lead to better engagement and understanding.

-Build confidence and leadership skills

On a grassroots level, organizing engages youth to identify shared issues and collaborate to find solutions, which may include addressing government officials and community leaders. The more they are given the opportunity to use their voices to make a difference and sharpen their problem-solving skills, the more they become sensitized to the power of their collective and individual voice.

-Promote a culture of entrepreneurship

Unemployment and low employment affect youth more than any other segment of the population in Rwanda. According to Worldbank.org “the?unemployment rate is about 21% for youth, and of those that are employed,?about 60%?are in jobs typically defined as low productivity, including subsistence agriculture, retail, and construction.”

Youth equipped with in-demand entrepreneurial skills in growing industries such as Tourism and ICT will be able to create jobs instead of relying on the job industry.

By empowering youth to become change agents they can play an active role in the process of social cohesion, political stability, and economic prosperity of any nation in a way that is democratic and inclusive. Never Again Rwanda (NAR) educates youth on human rights, peace and critical thinking; while creating safe spaces for them to dialogue, debate and celebrate their diversity. NAR also promotes youth leadership, political participation and human rights advocacy.

December 2022