THE ROLE OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS IN SHAPING TOMORROWS LEADERS

 

THE ROLE OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS IN SHAPING TOMORROWS LEADERS

 

Youths;  the backbone of the society,  the future of any well to do society emanates from how productive and well to do the youth are. YOUTH defined in an age group of age 18 to age 40.

The youth however in our present world are burgeoned with  one to many challenges that act as spoke in wheels to ultimately deter them from being productive and this only equals to waste of the energetic exuberance  that comes with the age.

Due to rapid pace of change our world is experiencing today, the problems we are experiencing today are influenced by people and social problems than before. There is a steady rise in temperament between youth and their elders due to communication gap existed today.

People are beginning to realize and recognize serious concerns that our youth has to face today. Some of these issues have been around since forever

 

One major issue is inadequate employment opportunities which may have transpired from the increased birth rate too and even though the government and private sector are creating the opportunities, it is still inadequate with the increase in number of people seeking employment. There is also a gap between the skills required and resources available.

There is also a bridge between financing skilled entrepreneurs and capital for start up business

We need to develop the skills of youth today to fill the gap as well as encourage youngsters to become entrepreneurs to create more opportunities and this is where youth empowerment programs come into play

Youth empowerment is the process of involving the youth and the young population in the decision-making of a communityYouth empowerment is characterized by efforts that help them be involved, whether in their education, community programs, and support services. We can also show youth empowerment by enhancing and strengthening their capabilities and role in the youth sector.

 

The youths can be empowered by knowledge development ,personal development trainings, coaching, socio - civic involvement

KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT

Youth empowerment may be done by presenting how education and knowledge help when it comes to having a better future. It is very important that the youth are educated. Literacy and having proper knowledge is also important. By making sure children have access to quality education or that we develop programs that cater to their knowledge needs, we are already a step toward the right direction.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAININGS

Youth empowerment encompasses a wide range of activities and programs beyond formal education. Vocational training, workshops, and leadership seminars can play a crucial role in helping young people develop essential life skills, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose. These initiatives can tap into creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities that might not be fully addressed by traditional education. By providing diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth, we can empower youth to unlock their full potential and contribute positively to society.

MENTORSHIP

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in youth empowerment by providing guidance, support, and inspiration to young individuals. A mentor serves as a role model and imparts valuable life skills, helping youth develop self-confidence and a sense of purpose. This dynamic relationship encourages young people to explore their potential, set goals, and navigate the challenges they face, ultimately equipping them with the tools to become self-reliant, responsible, and engaged members of their communities. Mentorship thus empowers youth to overcome obstacles and realize their aspirations, creating a brighter future for both the mentees and society as a whole.

SOCIO - CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Socio-civic involvement is critical to youth empowerment because it allows young people to actively participate in their communities and society at large. Young people can learn important life skills such as leadership, communication, and cooperation by volunteering, engaging in community initiatives, or joining civic organisations. This participation develops a sense of belonging and duty, assisting youth in developing self-confidence and a strong sense of civic identity. Socio-civic involvement not only provides young people with practical skills but also instills a sense of purpose, allowing them to make significant contributions to their communities and drive social progress.

In conclusion, youth empowerment programmes play an important role in shaping tomorrow's leaders by developing their skills, knowledge, and leadership potential. These programmes act as incubators for personal growth and development, providing young people with the confidence and skills to face future difficulties. They educate in youngsters the values and principles required to become great leaders, such as responsibility, community engagement, and social awareness. As these empowered individuals age and take on leadership responsibilities, they bring the lessons learnt and the drive for positive change fostered by these programmes with them. Finally, youth empowerment projects play a critical role in developing a generation of leaders who are well-prepared to confront tomorrow's complicated and growing concerns.

 

WRITTEN BY

By UWALAKA IKECHUKWU SAMUEL

OS /23B/ 0334