With 2016 matric results released. This becomes a period of mixed feelings for both learners and their parents. Questions like, do I study further? Do I find employment, and where? What study course should I follow? Do my parents really have funds to take me to school this year?
Above all, the real question is to everyone parent, learner, employer, or even just ordinary citizen: Is the future really bright for our youth? Looking at a few statistics, one may predict a bleak future: 81% of young adults are worried about getting a job. Unemployment, particularly amongst the youth, is at an all-time high at 36.1%. With that said, there seems to be a bigger problem, which seems to be the root cause. And that is :- Lack of confidence or self esteem.
Research findings tell us that; Having a good measure of self-esteem plays a big part in one’s success. That confidence levels in children as young as primary school correlated with success in the workplace as adults.
Can good measures of self esteem be taught or encouraged to children at an early age? To try and prepare them to harness possible future opportunities? This may sound like a trick question, if one looks at the vast majority of young people in South Africa, predominantly black, coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their circumstances almost presume a future challenge. However, it will require some level of awareness and maybe a slightly higher IQ from the youth, for one to catch a wake up call of the reality and possibilities available ahead.
One of the distinguishing features of South Africa, and advantages, is the rich heritage and diverse culture found in Townships and even in informal settlements. The ability to interact with a variety of people in your diverse immediate surrounding at different levels, taking into consideration that all these people have different cultures and beliefs; can be an eye opener as it could increase exposure and awareness of the reality of life. Teaching one through observance and communication the survival tactics, and providing positive inspiration.
The vast and diverse demographic and varied financial status that is found in townships; can very well be to some extend education to the youth. As they may see those role models they admire, being either their teacher, successful business man from the neighbourhood, or a fellow peer who is thriving in one way or another.
Social media and TV is another advantage that may serve as a platform of increasing awareness. Recent statistics done in South Africa informs us that, more South African households own televisions than they do refrigerators, according to Census. Of the 14.5 million homes around the country, almost 10.7 million have a TV, while 9.9 million have a fridge. So youth have the opportunity to connect globally in a virtual way, and be influenced by what other young people are doing elsewhere. Even if they may not be present with them physically. The recent example of the demand by S.A university students for zero increase to fees, called #FeesMustFall on social media. Is another example of global connectivity, as the campaign caught attention of students in Europe and they ended up protesting for similar school fees increase.
The challenges of our youth, lies with their level of awareness as made available to them, and being able to interpret the information that is accessible through audio-visual and text, translating the information in a manner that will give them enough confidence, to be creative enough and navigate through and beyond their immediate challenges to find opportunities they deserve. However, it takes a certain kind of an individual, to see the opportunities amongst the clutter. There is a higher probability that, those who are wise enough to make do, with the little they have, and unlock their potential, the very same individuals, are likely to be the positive contributors to the economy; and, continue to transform industries. The FUTURE is BRIGHT in 2017.
