Who speaks for the youth?

Oct 23, 2014 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
We are daily bombarded and at the selfsame time shocked to our logical senses at the number of crimes perpetrated by youths. There has been a proliferation of such crime by these young perpetrators, demonstrating such levels of criminal proficiency, and who are totally unfazed by the risks that accompany their pursuits. I am certain that like many others, shock and consternation eventually gives way to the mind sobering question, “Who speaks for the youth? Who will send the message loud and clear for all concerned to hear?
Currently, the youths are trapped within their surroundings, unable to breathe, no viable options to idleness and its accompanying consequences, lack of constructive activities, negativity is all they see around and even far ahead, employment totally out of reach. What then?
It is irrefutably evident that the schools and the homes have failed in their roles as the primary critical agents for shaping and molding character. The media also plays a part in compounding the situation, for although the youths may occasionally cast a look at a magazine or a television, what they are doing in actuality is looking at the person on the cover, or the screen, sadly reflecting on what they know for a fact they will never be.
In a sense, and more true than the average Guyanese population may want to admit, it is not adults that are bringing the youths to an understanding of the very real, concrete unforgiving globalization in which they live. It is the other way around. Again I repeat: Tell the truth, who speaks for the youth? What relief except to thief! Cannot find a job forces me to rob!
What evidence is there that the issue of unemployment and underemployment is being seriously addressed head on? What policies or programmes are in place? And if any, are they being evaluated as regards their efficacy.
On February 18, 2014, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) held a symposium for senior officials from the public sector, civil society and development agencies. In his address, the Minister pointed out that “for a long time efforts have been made to upgrade the youth policy in the past, in this regard what was relevant then may not be today while some may persist.
It is therefore important for the relevant areas to be identified, in this regard the MCYS alone cannot look at all the issues relating to youths, hence the need for an interagency approach. This would seek out the mismatches and address them. Some of the keys that need attention relate to health care, education, career coaching, employment and gender equality.
The purpose of the symposium is to determine achievable strategies, interventions, and multi-stakeholder implementation responses that will produce successful outcomes for young people in Guyana”.
Who are these other stakeholders to whom he refers? Have they come forward and initiated action? If so when? Who will be gauging progress? The SKYE programme and its stellar reputation were lauded by the now departed U.S. Ambassador Brent Hardt, and according to latest reports, is still maintaining that reputation.
But let us not for one minute lose sight of my initial question and expressed concern. Are these programmes geared towards fulfilling the desired objectives, or are there too many youths in need and not enough programmes. Perhaps the question can be addressed differently. Have the youths been asked what do they really want? What ails them?
I have not seen mention made of any input on the part of the youths being requested. Are these programmes just mere Band Aids over succinctly festering wounds? Or has the mark been completely missed? Nevertheless, I need to be told the truth, who speaks for the youth? If the responsible parties hold their peace, how do they expect crime to cease?
Aleuta— The struggle continues.
Yvonne Sam

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