Giving youths a choice

YOUNG people are generally regarded as a potential source of positive change.

Governments and social organisations try to help in the youngsters’ overall development as well as channel that youthful vigour and enthusiasm in the right direction to foster in them a positive identity, self-efficacy and resilience.

The United Nations states there have never been so many young people in the world as now – a total of 1.8 billion – mostly from developing countries. But to maximise this dividend, countries must ensure the young are equipped to make the most of the opportunities before them.

According to the report by the United Nations Population Fund, countries must do more to protect human rights, improve health, and provide skills and knowledge to build young people’s capabilities.

Youth was once considered the ultimate state, envied and romanticised by those past their prime, and the young were celebrated for their beauty and promise.

But today, they are associated with unemployment, disaffection, violence and substance abuse, and in many communities, young people are seen as a nuisance.

The reason many young people take the wrong turn at some point in their life is because they have a weak moral compass that fails to show them the right way.

All people, and especially the young, need to know that the true worth of a person is measured by the values he or she possesses. If one is also arrogant, dishonest and callous, one will get little love or respect.