In today’s rapidly evolving world, young people are often seen as catalysts for change, driving innovations and shaping the future through technology and social movements.
By Austin S Fallah- A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil
However, this promising narrative is not uniform across the globe.
While many young people in various parts of the world are actively harnessing modern technologies and experiencing social and economic emancipation (the ability to pursue opportunities previously out of reach), there is a stark contrast in Liberia, where a significant number of young people seem caught in a cycle of unproductive dialogue and inaction.
My disquisition aims to explore these two divergent paths, shedding light on the potential for growth versus the pitfalls of losing momentum and emphasizing the urgency for Liberian young people to adopt a more productive approach.
The Global Landscape of Young People Empowerment:
Across continents, we witness a generation of young people seizing technological opportunities.
A few months ago, I was in California on a job assignment and was taken on a ride by my high school classmate Creo Abraham in Silicon Valley, where I observed that teenagers launch startups, leverage social media for social activism, and engage in coding and digital marketing.
This is possible for the young people of Mama Liberia, if they will become focus, stop following those for nothing headless but are considered airbreathing human beings with no sense of directions, but only making baseless and nonsensical noise that have taken the young people to nowhere but keeping them in a cycle of abject poverty, while their colleagues are making headway in the 21st century.
Let the second quarter and beyond in this 21st century be a new beginning and a new sense of reasoning for the young people of Liberia.
Get from behind those money-eating-vampire-hyenas. They do not mean well for you.
Look at yourselves, for the years you have been following them, what have you gained? Zerooooooooooo.
You are still in the same position while their children prosper.
Their lives have improved through corruption and mismanagement of Liberia’s resources, to your own detriment.
It is time to follow visionary leaders who care about the young people and the nation.
In some parts of Africa, young innovators are developing applications that address local issues such as food security and health care, promoting entrepreneurship that contributes to economic growth.
In Asia, young people-led movements are raising awareness around social and environmental issues, demanding accountability from their governments and influencing policy changes, not through unrealistic demands, hooliganism, and demonstrations like headless snakes jumping from one place to another, from one month to another, spearheaded by unscrupulous individuals who have no societal relevance.
This progress is primarily attributed to the advent of modern technology, which has created platforms for collaboration, learning, and expression.
Social media, for example, allows young people to share their stories, mobilize positive support for causes they care about, and connect with mentors worldwide.
Access to information has never been easier, empowering young people to pursue knowledge from various sources and to diversify their skills.
In one of my Master of Business Analytics classes (Anaconda, Python. On hold because of the many other graduate master’s degrees that I hold, particularly in Software Systems, very similar to the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering from where I also hold a Master’s degree in Software Systems)at Hamline University, I learned that the globalization of ideas and the rise of digital literacy have led to a more informed citizenry.
Younger generations are increasingly aware of global issues such as climate change, inequality, and social justice, and many are taking steps to address these challenges within their communities.
They are utilizing technology not just to entertain themselves but to educate, advocate, and innovate.
The Situation in Liberia: A Need for Change:
In stark contrast, many of Liberia’s young people face immense challenges that inhibit progress.
Despite abundant intellectual international resources and growth potential, many young people seem mired in unproductive behaviors, engaging in discussions that yield little tangible outcomes.
The lamentations of a lost generation, a generation that has not just become disenchanted but has also, paradoxically, become disempowered, resonate deeply.
The excessive focus on empty political rhetoric and violent demonstrations overshadows constructive dialogue and engagement.
This stagnation can be attributed to various factors, including a lack of access to quality education, limited economic opportunities, and a political system that often appears disconnected from the needs of the young people.
When faced with limited avenues for productive engagement, frustration can easily morph into empty talk, which lacks the substance needed to catalyze change.
Young people may be influenced by individuals or groups who promise to be “saviors of the downtrodden” but fail to provide actionable solutions.
This cycle breeds dependency on leaders who may prioritize their interests over those of the populace, perpetuating stagnation and disillusionment.
The Importance of Productive Engagement:
Liberian young people must transition from mere rhetoric to productive engagement if they hope to participate meaningfully in the global technological landscape of the next three-quarters of the 21st century.
This begins with acknowledging the barriers to success, but does not end there.
The emphasis on action-real, meaningful action—is vital.
One potential avenue for progress is through education.
It is essential to cultivate a mindset focused on learning and growth rather than complaining about the obstacles.
Opportunities for digital literacy training, vocational education, ethics, and entrepreneurship programs can help empower young people to harness technological advancements.
This requires an investment from the government, corporate social responsibility (public corporations), and the private sector to create environments conducive to learning and innovation.
Moreover, forming networks and communities of critical thinkers focused on productive discussions can help shift the culture from hollow complaints to constructive solutions.
Platforms for mentorship, where experienced individuals guide young people in their pursuits, can foster a new generation of resourceful and intelligent leaders.
This is why we asked if government officials (past and present)could write a memoir (if they have the intellect/fortitude to even pen something on paper) free of moral questions from society.
Collaboration with organizations that promote young people’s engagement can also facilitate the growth of a supportive ecosystem.
Importantly, Liberian young people must learn to critically assess the motivations behind those who claim to be their advocates.
It is paramount that they engage with individuals and organizations that provide real opportunities for uplifting their communities/nation rather than engaging in fruitless activism that does not yield results.
Learning from Successful Youth Movements:
Examining successful young people’s movements globally offers valuable lessons for the Liberian young generation.
For instance, the student-led climate movement, inspired by figures like Greta Thunberg, emphasizes action rather than speculation.
Young activists worldwide have effectively utilized social media to create a powerful narrative that has prompted dialogues with global leaders about climate policies.
Liberia’s young people can follow suit by engaging with their international counterparts, presenting their needs and asking for help, advocating their causes for quality education and a brighter future.
Many young Liberian people are privileged to this information but have failed to take positive and critical thinking actions, and they continue to follow the money-eating vampires and hyenas.
This model can be adapted to fit the unique contexts respectfully and positively of Liberian challenges, as young people advocate for policies that address education, healthcare, food security, safe drinking water, stable electricity, zogos, and employment.
Moreover, entrepreneurs such as the young innovators in Kenya who have used technology to improve agricultural practices highlight the potential for local solutions to global problems.
Young Liberians could adapt similar initiatives by leveraging their cultural resources and unique national identity to create businesses that can take advantage of technology, with the support of visionary, critical thinking, and a way forward governance.
The Call to Action:
As this adda highlights, the contrast between the productive engagement observed in many parts of the world and the stagnation prevalent among Liberian young people can not be understated.
It is imperative to recognize that the time for empty slogans and unproductive rhetoric must end.
Liberian young people are called not just to dream but to act.
In the cause of the people, the struggle for the best Liberia starts from now. No more in the cause of the people, the battle continues.
While fasting and praying, the downtrodden continue to struggle.
The time to end the struggle slogan is now or never.
The new slogan should be “Liberia has risen for the cause of the people, progress, and critical thinking.”
If they hope to successfully navigate the complexities of the modern world, they must engage in constructive and meaningful ways.
The urgency for alleviating current limitations can
not be overstated.
By concentrating on education, critical thinking, fostering innovation, promoting community support systems, and critically evaluating leadership, young Liberians have the potential to break free from the cycle of stagnation.
Ultimately, while the challenge is daunting, the potential for progress rests with Liberia’s young people.
It is time for them to step into leadership roles, drive technological advancements, and foster social change that benefits themselves, their families, and their nation.
The future is bright for those who take the bull by the horns and work productively to build a better tomorrow.
