The Secret Cry of the Youth

The secret cry of the youth 

The youthful stage is arguably the most confusing stage of the human life. This is the time when the young adult learns to be responsible for his actions and decisions. It is the stage when he comes to realize "life" in its real sense. 

Just before that stage, he had parents to rely on and in some cases, cry to when he's in need. In this stage, he comes to realise that things don't work that way. He has to get up in the morning, and do something productive in order to get something for his stomach. He has to make decisions that affect his future, in terms of the course to read, the kind of career path to ply, how to stay in good health, and in some cases, what to do in society. Thus, he learns to be responsible. 

I agree there are instances where the path has already been cleared for him. But the question is, how many of the average Ghanaian youth have access to career guidance, how many have the luxury of inheriting properties or something to finance his life in this stage. What about the academically inclined youth, whose only hope for life is to study hard in order to create a befitting life for himself? What about the poor young girl who gets pregnant because she had no one to guide her or provide for her? What happens to her dreams? And what about the young boy, who by no fault of his lives on the streets and begs for alms to make a living, doesn't he have dreams too?

The secret cry of the youth is for a sense of belonging, a sense of direction and a hope for the expected destination. It is true that some youth are, or at least portray to be in control being independent. It is also true that some do not need any rod to straighten them or light to guide their path. Also true is the fact that some resist any form of contribution or guidance in their lives. But should the mere fact that a handful of youth seem okay obscure the cry of the other youth for support? Should the fact that some rebel against authority deprive others of a better future?

Many young people out there are crying for help. Many live in confusion everyday and only dream of things getting better, dream of getting someone to hold their hands and teach them what to do. Some have no parents or guardians, no mentor and no one to look up to. They resort to the meager advice they get from their friends and in most cases become victims of the peer pressure surrounding them. Others have fallen prey to the seemingly attractive lifestyle of "unending joy" portrayed on the internet and all forms of media available to them. The truth is, the media literally dictates how they live. Many young people who gave up in life would have attained something if they had someone to be there for them. Many who "messed up" would have been good examples for others if they had some guidance. 

This is the secret cry of the youth, the youth with ambitions and willingness to learn but with no light to guide them to their destinations: They are crying out to parents, to guardians, to mentors, to show them some love, to bring them close and show them some care, to create opportunities for them and guide them to walk on the right path. 

I'm sure some of the older people and even youth have noticed the drastic fall in standards of our cultural values. The truth is, it's going to keep getting worse if nothing is done about it. And the question here is, what do we expect of the future generation? How do we want to look back and see our children performing? Let's get up and start mentoring some youth who are determined to get somewhere but need help. Don't sit aloof and think it does not affect you. It may not affect you today but in a different way in future. An example is, a young man who has dreams of becoming a financial mogul becomes a pervert because he could not get any support. Such a person could be dangerous and your safety will not be assured with him around. He will be relentless until he gets the money he needs and may give little consideration on how he does that, because he has probably endured a lot of pain and is being haunted by his failure in life.

If we want a better future for our future leaders, this is a call to start teaching them now. No great leader was not once a student. Anyone who ignores authority cannot be in authority. Teach them the basic things of life, guide them to become the future they desire.

This is a heartfelt message from a youth who has had the opportunity to hear the worries of other youth as well as the opportunity to lead them in various capacities. Thank you.

 

By Isaac Game A. Mawulorm 

Fb: Isaac Mawulorm 

Ig: isaac_game_mawulorm