Rethinking Leadership: When we trust our youth, do we trust our future? part 1

Intro: Are We Guiding Our Youth or Holding Them Back?

Picture a community project where the older adults dictate every task, overseeing young volunteers with a tight grip, leaving little room for initiative or personal input. How does this shape the youth’s ability to handle responsibility or their confidence to lead? Can we expect them to take ownership when they are constantly under micromanagement?

Visualize a tech startup where young interns are given rigid instructions for daily tasks without being invited to the strategy meetings. How will this affect their innovative capacities and their understanding of the business? Does this foster an entrepreneurial spirit, or does it simply teach them to follow directions?

Consider a sports team where the coach calls every play, leaving young athletes to execute without questioning. How does this approach affect their tactical understanding of the game or their ability to adapt in real-time during matches? Would they not benefit more from a strategy they helped to create?

Are these methods building leaders of tomorrow, or are they just perpetuating a cycle of dependency? What would happen if instead, we embraced their potential, listened to their ideas, and allowed them to lead the way?

Imagine a classroom where the teacher does all the talking, prescribing every step, telling young people exactly what to do without giving them a chance to think for themselves.

Now, consider this: Does such an approach truly equip our youth for the complexities of the real world? Does it ignite their creativity or prepare them to solve real-world problems? What if we flipped the script and allowed the youth to lead the discussions, make decisions, and learn from their experiences? How might this shift in dynamics transform their readiness to take on the world’s challenges?

Shaping Tomorrow: Envisioning a Suriname Powered by Its Youth

Highlighting the importance of cultural diversity, we encourage all stakeholders to actively involve every young person, irrespective of their background or region, in shaping Suriname’s future. The aim is to foster a collaborative environment where all stakeholders trust in the potential of our youth, which cultivates ownership, reflective thinking, and critical engagement.

This approach supports youth in taking the lead on their initiatives and demonstrates that their contributions often showcase professionalism and innovation, rivaling those of their more experienced counterparts. For over three decades, Get!T has consistently advocated for recognizing youth as the primary stakeholders of their own development, observing firsthand the remarkable outcomes when young people are given the autonomy to shape their futures.

Vision Youth in Suriname

A Suriname where youth, recognized as the primary stakeholders of their own development, are empowered, informed, and actively engaged in building an inclusive, resilient, and just society.

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Empowerment and Inclusion

In Suriname, youth are recognized as primary stakeholders of their development and are equipped with the necessary education, tools, and opportunities to shape their futures and contribute to national progress. Our society values and celebrates cultural diversity, ensuring every young person, irrespective of background or region, actively participates in shaping Suriname’s future.

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Resilience Through Community and Economic Stability

We are building a robust and resilient society that nurtures economic opportunities for youth, allowing them to prosper while upholding their civic responsibilities. By fostering sustainable local economies and community-driven development, we provide a foundation for personal and national advancement.

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Active Civic Engagement and Trust in Governance

Our approach to governance is transparent and accountable, creating an environment where youth feel valued and are motivated to engage in the democratic process. This commitment fosters trust between youth and leaders, facilitating informed decision-making and collaborative problem-solving at all levels.

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Environmental Responsibility and Cultural Respect

Youth are the stewards of Suriname’s natural resources and cultural heritage, committed to preserving these assets for future generations. We prioritize policies and practices that align development with ecological sustainability and respect for cultural traditions that define our national identity.

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Education and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

We advocate for an accessible, high-quality education system that promotes critical thinking, innovation, and social responsibility, preparing youth to address global challenges and make positive local impacts. By integrating digital tools and contemporary methodologies, we ensure our youth are well-equipped to lead in an ever-evolving world.

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Overall Vision

Our vision at Get!T Talent and Organizational Development embraces a Suriname driven by youth, where inclusive growth and empowerment forge a sustainable and equitable society, responsive to the needs of all its members and resilient across generations.

Let every young voice be heard, for it echoes the sound of our future