By: Syed Shahzaib Haider
As we all know majority of the world’s young population is in Asia. So undeniably we can say, there is immense potential in the youth to shape the future of the world. Pakistan currently has the largest population of young people ever recorded in its history, according to a comprehensive National Human Development Report (NHDR) report launched by UNDP.
The population in the age group of 15-29 is full of ideas, energy and passion, along with an unmatched ability to bring about significant change in society. They can challenge all the odds, embrace good practices and think out-of-the-box. Thus No one can underestimate the potential in them to make a real difference.
As we all know that because of the high outlay, poverty and lack of facilities, there have been so many of the young brilliant brains who either drop out of school or graduate without necessary skills for self-employment. Most of the government highs schools and colleges in our country are either inadequate or lack the essential facilities and technology to prepare students for the challenging demands of the market and because of that sub-standard private institutions have come up to take advantage of shortage of training opportunities to exploit desperate youth. The youth conceded in these institutions cannot, therefore, be immediately absorbed into the job market. The government should first improvise the access and quality of education in all government high schools and colleges so the youth can understand risks and opportunities in the market. It may help them to be able to contribute towards unprecedented achievements such as eliminating poverty and injustice. There is a need for planned and organized engagement with the youth in order to build their capacities so that they can contribute in sustainable development of our country. Youth should be actively involved in the process of nation-building and that Pakistan’s diversity and vastness required a wide institutional framework for developmental work and it’s only possible when the government is ready to go hand in hand with the youth.
There are about hundreds and thousands of youth who graduate from various institutions yearly who are ready to enter the market every year. But, due to the slow economic growth, corruption, preferential treatment and demand for experience by potential employers, 75% our intelligent energetic and determined young people remain unemployed. It is generally anticipated that the outcome of Youth Empowerment is strong contribution to National prosperity. The empowered young people beyond doubt can contribute greatly towards good governance and democracy with a passionate desire to be the medium for National Development.
Government should also create some recreational activities for the psychological and physical development of the youth. It contributes to their personal development by promoting good health, personal discipline, leadership and team building skills.
It also provides opportunity for appreciation, participation and creative experience in leisure, music, art, drama crafts, novelty events and cultural activities.
This helps engaging the youth to make good use of their leisure time, express their beliefs and values as well as promote and preserve local art and culture for the benefit of the future youth.
However, current investment by the government in leisure and recreational activities has not reflected its importance. The sector suffers from insufficient funds and facilities while the talented youth lack inspiration and are often exploited. Due to these constraints, it has not been possible to tap fully the talents of many youth.
I may conclude my discussion by saying that the government must take following steps to ensure the bright future of our youth.
- Develop the policy to address the concern of unemployment and create the environment where the youth can take advantage of their potential through value adding initiatives.
- Be a catalyst for youth empowerment and participation.
- Try and find out the way to collaborate with other stakeholders to research and come up with policies that would assist youth in this country to overcome the challenges.
- Help the youth to be able to work towards the realization of their life goals that were delayed before by the tough regulations that in the past barred them from accessing the quality education.
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