David Ding
Bennett 6
World Lit H
March 12 2015
Youth Unemployment: Learning to Earn
What do you want to be when you grow up? Ask any child this simple question and you are met with a range of different answers. Some want to become doctors, others policemen or teachers, some even professional athletes. The answers will vary, but they will all share a crucial commonality. Through focus, hard work, and determination, every child has the potential to actualize their dreams and eventually end up with their ideal career.
However, this is not the case in all parts of the world. In South Africa especially, the youth are not able to realize their academic goals, or even become educated enough to form them in the first place. This problem is mostly due to the low economic growth within the country and an inadequate education system. This issue has been a prevalent one in South Africa for many years, and if it isn’t dealt with soon, drastic, irreversible consequences are sure to follow.
Africa has the largest youth percentage in the world, with 60% of its population under the age of 25. (Global Issues in Context) Out of these youth, approximately 50% are unemployed. (Amare). For most of these youth, there simply are not enough jobs to go around. This is due to the economic recession South Africa is currently in. These low levels of growth leads to many of the youth living poverty, having to worry about their next meal instead of what career they want to pursue. The country has not fully recovered from the days of apartheid, and the manufacturing industry has not fully adapted to the new system in South Africa. This major industry is failing to generate new jobs, leading to high unemployment rates. (Jongwe)
The education system within the country is also lacking, and not fulfilling its purpose of helping students achieve success. Joy Oliver, the founder of charitable organization IkamvaYouth, is on a mission to help youth in South America escape the disadvantaged neighborhoods from which they originate. (Aziz) When asked about whose responsibility it is to address youth unemployment, he stated, “The government, the private sector, secondary and tertiary education institutions, parents and the youth themselves are all collectively responsible.” Oliver’s program works to supplement students’ education and help them secure a sustainable and fulfilling livelihood. Others have recognized the importance of secondary educational institutions to provide aid. Business Leadership South Africa is an association that helps address the factors that prevent youth from employment. (Setiloane) The only way for jobs to be filled in the country is if people possess the skills for those jobs.
Children are the future of the country, and as Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Unless the youth are able to occupy meaningful jobs within the country, progress will not occur. If everyone works together, we can find a solution and equip our children with the tools needed to make a difference. Imagine asking a child from South Africa the same question from the beginning, except this time he is no longer hungry and is receiving a decent education. You look into his eyes, full of hope and wonder, as he ecstatically gives you his reply.
Works Cited:
Amare, Tighisti. "Africa's High Youth Unemployment: Is Population to Blame?" The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited, 11 July 2014. Web. 9 Mar. 2015.
Aziz, Raisa. "IkamvaYouth: Tackling Education and Employment in South Africa - Fair Observer." Fair Observer. FAIR OBSERVER, 03 July 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.
"'Economic Growth the Only Way Out' - DA." Post [South Africa] 25 Feb. 2015: 21. Global Issues In Context. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.
Jongwe, Anthony. "New Venture Creation Key to Resolving Unemployment [column]." Africa News Service 10 June 2012: n. pag. Global Issues In Context. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.
Setiloane, Thero. "Beyond Advocacy – Business Needs to Get Its Head in the Game." McKinsey on Society Voices Beyond Advocacy Business Needs to Get Its Head in the Game Comments. McKinsey & Company, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.
This article was very well written, provided a lot of information all collected from very credible sources and gave the reader a fulfilling, concise summary of the topic. Unemployment is also a prevalent issue in the US, and what you said about striving to meet academic goals through focus, determination and effort applies to all students in this area.
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is some top-notch writing here, Mr. Ding. You really brought the issue of youth unemployment to light, and I am truly enlightened by your powerful words. However, I must say you are wrong. I do not know what I want to be when I grow up, and I am yet a child. Do YOU know what you want to be, Mr. Ding? And do you think education is the key to unlocking true economic success in Africa?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article that is concise but informative. I thought it was interesting how you analyzed one of the main causes of unemployment. Has the government taken any actions to improve education? If so, have they been successful?
ReplyDeleteWhoah that was pretty cool, dude. Honestly, this is actually really well written. It's kind of sad to think how something like economic status can dictate the future of not only the individuals affected, but of the progress of an entire population. This is pretty much the opposite here, however. Since our school area is so much more developed, we are able to set ourselves up with a better future than most other people around the world (such as Africa). Sad face. QUESTION! If you were a child without any economic support and a poor education, what would you personally seek out in life?
ReplyDelete