The human society is the most
important as well as most complex of all systems. Sociology teaches that we, as
social beings need to live our lives in company of other humans.
We often
organize ourselves into various kinds of social groupings, during which we
socialize, interact, work, play, trade, reproduce and flourishUnlike other animals, we are rational, intelligent and capable of controlling our actions and decisions. Of all God’s creation, we are the highest of beings (And that’s a good thing by the way!) Humans are the determinants of the society: how it runs and what operational modes befit its growth and the benefits we all can enjoy from it. To this end, the civil society is designed to work in the interests, growth and fulfillment of citizens, families and individuals promoting the flourishing and fulfillment of every single individual in the society.
One of the most vital players in
the building of a civil society is the youth and the young adult. It is
estimated that young people account for one third of the world’s population. A nation or society that neglects its young therefore,
has probably neglected its future. The young people are the most
dynamic, creative, innovative, strong; and highly instrumental in the growth
process and development of any community, nation, state or society. Today,
there are more young people in the world than ever before, creating
unprecedented potential for political, economic and social progress.
The 21st century is in
need of ambassadors of real change and social transformation. Among the many
challenges that threaten the youth in Africa for instance are the scourges of
poverty, ignorance and illiteracy. On the political level is the existence of
bad leadership and corruption especially in developing countries.
Unfortunately, authentic morality which of course is the foundation of the
society is now being shortchanged for selfishness, consumerism and
individualism. The “survival of the fittest” has become the
mantra of this generation. For the highly educated, “knowledge” has made them
intellectual egotists and promoters of falsehood through poisonous oratory and
misguided writings. Economically, resources meant for all has become “all for one”. What is more, self-acclaimed religious leaders, in the
name of God, rip off the poor masses and enrich themselves with unimaginable
material acquisitions thereby proving clearly Karl Marx’s saying that “religion is the opium of the people”. Globalization? A
utopia that promises global unity and peace-not without the vestiges of
neo-colonialism, though.
These societal maladies will
fester until we direct our focus on the young thinking leaders of this
generation. A society that denies its youths in the growth and developmental
process does so at its own risk. Thriving countries understand that through the
creativity, energy, resourcefulness, character, orientation and intelligence of
the 21st century youth, the pace of development and transformation
of a society is skyrocketed. A nation finds her motivation in young people's
dreams and hopes; a community develops through their participation and
involvement; through their creative talents and power, a society makes giant
strides, and experience economic development and overall advancement.
To the young person reading this
piece, take a moment to think...and really do that now! Think! Imagine the
future of the world if you simply stood up to your fears and took an
unapologetic stance of positively affecting your society starting right from
your caucus and peers; your school,
community, state, country; your world! Imagine the magnanimity of a graceful
world if you reinvented yourself, took initiatives and acted as an agent of
change. Do you realize what substance you’re made
of? I’d tell you: You are simply the most gifted, creative, energetic and
highly motivated in the world today! Lets twist it a little: Do you realize
what danger you’d probably constitute to the society when you decide
neither to study, for instance, nor
grow in knowledge and character? A
monumental fiasco! Its a truism that the wrong set of friends
can completely mar your purpose and God-given potential! I know this
from experience!
Imagine what the world would be
if you shunned social vices, spent ample time developing yourself; graduated
with excellent grades, kept morally sound and smart people around. You have no
grounds to doubt your potential to excel as a Writer, Singer, Lawyer,
Journalist, a Medical Doctor, a successful Businessman, a Public Speaker, or
whatever dreams God has placed in your heart? What happened to your dreams, by
the way!? Why have you relegated those God- inspired dreams and aspirations to the
background?
It's about time you liberated
yourself from the shackles of mediocrity, purposelessness and social sterility.
Are you on the "ground"? Now is the time to look up, get up and never
give up! Never, ever allow your background keep your back on the ground. You
were born for greatness. Aspire to acquire what you desire. Dream big dreams!
Study hard, play hard; build lasting relationships, get mentors, be
responsible; be unique; be different! Get involved in the activities that build
and uphold. God is on your side. The world is yet to experience what you are
made of. The society is counting on you. Africa needs you; your friends need
you to succeed. God needs YOU!
Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who
keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. - Franz Kafka
What pressures do you face with
your peers and how do you cope?.Feel free to share your thoughts.
About the Author:
Fidelis Bonaventure Uzoma, is a Career Diplomat, a
seasoned Public Speaker and a Human Impact Strategist. He is a graduate of
Philosophy; and currently a postgraduate student of Diplomacy and Strategic
Studies.He is the Founder of Young African Diplomats Network- an initiative
that promotes good governance and sanitizes the society through the decency of
diplomacy.He is passionate about helping young people discover their giftings
and strengths. He enjoys empowering, inspiring and affecting lives positively.
He has more profound thoughts in his blog. www.diploimpact.wordpress.com
Comments
Post a Comment