Youth and National Development

 

COURSE MANUAL 

COURSE NOTE 

THE CONCEPT OF YOUTH AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

THE MEANING OF YOUTH

• The definition of youth varies across countries and organizations but generally refers to individuals within a certain age range. 

• Often the youth is classified between 15 and 24 years old. 

• The Commonwealth Youth programme defines youth as persons between 16 and 29 years old. 

• According to Ghana Youth Plan, includes people between the ages of fifteen (15) and thirty-five (35).

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE YOUTH

• They are very ambitious

• Conscious of appearing attractive

• Tend to be antagonistic to authority

• Easily adapt to changes

• Possess great physical strength making them active and energetic

• They are enthusiastic about things.

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

•National Development is the ability of a country to raise the standard of living of its citizen

•Development: it is a process that creates growth, and brings in progress and positive change

Components of National Development

• Development of rural areas

• Increase in agriculture outputs

• Enlargement of economic knowledge

• Handling of growth in urban areas

• Eradication of poverty

HOW THE YOUTH CAN BE EQUIPPED TO BETTER CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Giving the youth education

• Provision of avenues for the use of their talents

• Provision of guidance and counselling

• Provision of jobs for the youth

• Provision of a policy framework for youth development

• Exposure to role models

THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GHANA

• The youth must take assignments willingly

• The youth should take the initiative in development projects

• The youth should be alive to their responsibilities

• The youth must be committed to national development

RIGHTS OF THE YOUTH

• Freedom from discrimination

• Participate in decision-making processes

• Access appropriate information

• Gainful employment either in the public or the private sector on completion of Education

• Protection from harmful drugs, firearms and all forms of discrimination and abuse – sexual abuse, harassment

RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUTH

• Discourage acts of violence and crime

• Respect and protect public property

• Promote peace security and development

• Reframe from all forms of violence and drug abuse

• Be good citizens and contribute to social and economic development

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

•Inappropriate school curriculum

•Job discrimination by the youth

•Reduction in the duration of schooling

•Rural urban migration

CONSEQUENCES OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

• Gangsterism

• Prostitution

• Visible Idleness

CHALLENGES OF THE YOUTH THAT IMPACTS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

•Unemployment

•Skills Mismatch

•Lack of Youth Participation

•Social Issues

•Limited Access to Capital and Resources

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES 

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society organizations, and international partners. Some potential solutions include:

• Enhancing educational reforms to ensure quality education, vocational training, and skills development that aligns with market needs. 

• Promoting entrepreneurship and providing support for young entrepreneurs through access to capital, mentorship, and business development services.

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES 

• Creating more job opportunities through investment in key sectors, and fostering an enabling business environment. 

• Encouraging youth participation in decision-making processes through youth-led platforms, mentorship programs, and affirmative action policies. 

• Implementing targeted social programs to address issues like drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and crime, including awareness campaigns, counselling services, and community engagement.

SOME SOLUTIONS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE YOUTH AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN GHANA

• Quality Education

• Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment

• Civic Engagement and Leadership

• Skills Development and Technical Training

• Youth Empowerment and Mentorship

• Health and Well-being

• Digital Literacy and Innovation

• Youth-Friendly Policies

EXPECTATIONS OF GHANAIANS ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

•Ghanaians have several expectations regarding the role of the youth in national development. 

• These expectations reflect the aspirations and desires of Ghanaian society as they recognize the importance of harnessing the potential of the youth for the overall progress and prosperity of the nation.

EXPECTATIONS OF GHANAIANS ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT - CONT

• Here are some common expectations:

• Active Participation: Ghanaians expect the youth to actively participate in the country’s development process. 

• They believe that the youth should proactively shape policies, initiate projects, and contribute their skills and ideas to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.

EXPECTATIONS OF GHANAIANS ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Leadership and Innovation: Ghanaians expect the youth to demonstrate leadership qualities and innovative thinking. They want the youth to come up with creative solutions to societal problems. 

• Education and Skills Development: Ghanaians expect the youth to prioritize education and skills development. They recognize that acquiring knowledge and skills is essential for personal growth and contributing to the nation's development.

EXPECTATIONS OF GHANAIANS ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Civic Engagement: Ghanaians expect the youth to actively engage in civic activities and democratic

processes. 

• Entrepreneurship and Job Creation: Ghanaians expect the youth to embrace entrepreneurship and

contribute to job creation. 

• Social Responsibility and Volunteerism: Ghanaians expect the youth to demonstrate social responsibility and engage in volunteer activities.

HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF THE YOUTH TO MEET THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

• Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about

the SDGs among young people. 

• Youth Engagement and Participation: Involve young people in decision-making processes at all levels. 

• Skill Development and Capacity Building: Provide opportunities for youth to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to address the SDGs effectively. 

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Support youth entrepreneurship and innovation by creating favourable conditions and providing access to resources.

HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF THE YOUTH TO MEET THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

• Partnerships and Collaboration: Encourage collaboration

between youth organizations, civil society, governments, and

private sector entities. 

• Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate networking opportunities for young people to connect, collaborate, and Share knowledge and best practices.

HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF THE YOUTH TO MEET THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

• Access to Resources and Opportunities: Ensure equitable access to resources, including funding, technology, and infrastructure, for youth-led initiatives. • Recognition and Celebration: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of young people who contribute to the SDGs.

WHAT POTENTIAL DOES THE YOUTH HAVE?

• Creativity: Young individuals often possess fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the ability to think outside the box. 

• Energy and Enthusiasm: Youthful energy and enthusiasm can drive motivation and dedication towards achieving goals. 

• Technological Savviness: Growing up in the digital age, many young people are adept at using technology. They are quick to adapt to new digital tools.

WHAT POTENTIAL DOES THE YOUTH HAVE?

• Social Awareness and Activism: The youth often display a heightened sense of social consciousness, advocating for causes like human rights, climate change, gender equality, and social justice. They are passionate about making a difference and initiating positive social change. 

• Adaptability and Resilience: Young individuals tend to be more adaptable and open to change. They can readily embrace new circumstances, learn new skills, and navigate evolving environments. Their resilience helps them overcome challenges and bounce back from setbacks. 

• Global Perspective: With access to information and the interconnectedness of the world, young people have a broader global perspective. They are aware of global issues, cultures, and diversity, which can foster tolerance, empathy, and collaboration on a global scale.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH 

• Lack of experience

• Lack of knowledge

• Inability to make responsible decisions

• Limited societal impact

• Homogeneity of youth perspectives