SUSTAINING DEVELOPMENT THROUGH YOUTH PARTICIPATIONby | 30-06-2014 09:56 |
|---|
|
The challenges of the environment and community development in the present post-modern century beyond the shadow of a doubt are matters of considerable significance. More than ever, there is sufficient evidence to the assertion that it is hardly conceivable if not totally impossible to construct even by way of imagination, a human society fully developed and conducive for the very many human affairs without some concrete attention to environmental development. Interestingly, young people have long come to be identified as being pivotal to any development process hence constitute a large part of change which any society may experience over a period of time and this therefore makes it imperative to insist that youth be regarded through empirical lenses that go beyond the stereotypical notions of rebellion and vulnerability to show how recent advances in technology, the intensification of global processes and the continued exchange of cross-cultural ideas are contributing to new and complex ways of understanding how youth contribute to national development today. Noticeably, global population is increasing rapidly with youth population in the forefront. In sub-Saharan Africa for example, nearly one in three people living in the region, or about 297 million, is between the ages of 10 and 24. By 2050, that age group is projected to nearly double to 561 million, according to PRB's "The World Youth 2013 Data Sheet". On this basis, it is my opinion that sustainable development is a big possibility if countries take the opportunity to cultivate the capacity of their youth who are a valuable resource to their prosperity. Youth therefore, should be better equipped and motivated through meaningful incentives to develop interest in the area of environmental conservation and encourage their participation in eco-friendly initiatives considering the change that a large number of youth can bring about to sustainable development. |
