Raising the Youth of Today Well

by Letters Editor · January 16, 2017

From James Matondo, Johannesburg – On June 16, 1976, the brave youth of Soweto woke up in an usual spirit to get their voices heard through a peaceful demonstration. Little did they know that some could not return home. This Class of 1976 ushered in a revival of greater black resistance to the oppression and segregation of the apartheid era.

Yesterday’s youths had a sense of belonging, fearlessly acting against all odds. Today’s generation can learn invaluable lessons from them.

The age of computers and new media technologies has given rise to a new dimension in raising youth. In 1976 these technologies were not available, and therefore society relied on word of mouth, letters, pamphlets and the ubuntu concept of working and sharing together in the township.

But we can also observe youths who are striving to make a difference in their communities. This must be encouraged.

Unemployment remains an obstacle to many school leavers, even those with matric. Such youths must be encouraged to engage themselves in voluntary work in hospitals, schools, community centres, old people’s homes and so on.

The spirit this engenders leads not only to a better moral grooming, but might also be attractive to potential employers.

Youths must also be encouraged to participate in government initiatives such as the National Youth Development Agency, whose mandate is to reduce unemployment by creating business training.

Parents must be urged to step up their roles in bringing up their children, and communities should provide direct care to the many child-headed households.

We are living in a dynamic world where communications must not be left only to gadgets. Parents need to talk t o their children daily, and not only at the dinner table. Parents must motivate their children and protect them against the challenges they encounter in the world.

On the other hand churches and community leaders must continue spearheading programmes that teach the youth’s skills and what is expected of them to become responsible true citizens.

The African proverb, lt takes a village to raise a child, offers a moral lesson to yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s youth and adults.