Plutarch’s “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” – Plutarch.
“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination”. – Albert Einstein.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” – Mother Teresa
“Kids deserve the right to think that they can change the world.” – Lois Lowry
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”. – Anonymous.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of society, the young people represent not just the future but also the potential to bring about transformative change in the present.
Unfortunately, the phenomenon of unengaged young people poses a significant peril to any society that aspires toward social and economic emancipation.
When young people are not encouraged or motivated to apply their talents in productive ways, they risk falling prey to those with nefarious intentions, ultimately detracting from national progress.
Particularly evident in contemporary Liberia, where disenfranchised and misguided young people appear to have become pawns in the hands of ill-prepared politicians, the necessity for critical thinking and engagement among young people has never been more urgent.
I will attempt to explore the challenges posed by unengaged young people, the importance of cultivating critical thinking, and actionable strategies to ensure that young people contribute positively to their communities and nation.
At the heart of the issue surrounding disengaged young people is the stark reality that their lack of direction can lead them to align themselves with individuals who wield (want power, have power, had power, need power, looking for power, see power) power but lack vision or competence.
In Liberia, many young people have found themselves susceptible to the influence of self-styled criminal political saviors.
These individuals often prioritize charisma over qualifications and promote outdated ideologies instead of progressive ideas.
These politicians exploit the vulnerabilities of a generation that is unsure of its place in the world, offering them a false sense of purpose while prioritizing their own ambitions.
Young people everywhere have seen (or are seeing) this daily, including those in Liberia.
Such a dynamic is not merely a local challenge; it resonates on a global scale.
Throughout history, societies that fail to invest in the intellectual and emotional growth of their young people have witnessed the fallout of disillusionment, unrest, and stagnation.
The consequences of ignoring the potential of young people can be dire.
When young people lack critical thinking skills, they are ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary society, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation.
This lack of critical engagement can lead to destructive patterns: individuals convinced of their plight may find solace in misguided leadership or revolutionary rhetoric, ultimately resulting in counterproductive decisions.
In Liberia, the unfortunate results are exemplified by a young people demographic increasingly drawn into cycles of disillusionment and desperation, operating under the false assumption that political allegiance equates to personal empowerment.
This phenomenon highlights the urgent need to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and critical analysis among young people.
Why is critical thinking essential in shaping the behavior and choices of young citizens?
Critical thinking enables individuals to evaluate issues, discern fact from opinion, and make well-informed decisions that align with their values and aspirations.
In the context of Liberia, it serves as a lifeline, offering young people the skills and confidence to question the status quo, challenge not just the narratives presented to them but also the intentions behind them.
By fostering an environment where questioning is encouraged, whether within educational institutions, political rallies, i-ta-yah shops, community settings, or family meetings, societies can help uplift young people from unproductive pathways that easily lead them astray.
Many have asked why, in all of my discourses, I mentioned education.
My answers have been and are, because of all of the below……….
I like young people who are positive contributors to our world, and I am one.
Education plays a pivotal role in motivating young people to acquire skills that enrich their lives and the communities in which they live.
Young people must be encouraged to engage in scholarly pursuits and vocational training, as these avenues simultaneously provide them with tools for personal growth and contribute to economic development.
Countries that prioritize well-rounded educational frameworks, integrating critical thinking and practical skills training, tend to produce a more proactive citizenry, one that is far less prone to manipulation by nonentities and political nobodies.
It is essential to understand that while traditional education carries immense value, embracing non-traditional forms of learning and creativity can further amplify young people’s capabilities.
Moreover, the younger generation should be made aware of existing global trends, including the skill gaps within modern economies.
Around the globe, industries are moving toward innovative solutions, requiring skilled workforce participants who are adept in technological proficiency, creativity, and critical thinking.
The onus is on young individuals not only to keep pace with these trends but also to position themselves as contributors to societal advancement.
The grim alternative is a cycle of dependence and mediocrity, where uninformed young people resort to outdated ideologies and shun the potential for personal advancement in favor of political fads.
One of the most critical steps in energizing young people’s engagement is to dismantle the prevailing narratives that surround political participation.
It is imperative to transition the fixation on mere political allegiance into a broader understanding of civic responsibility and societal engagement.
Young individuals should be encouraged to appreciate the value of contributing to their communities, nations (particularly Liberia), through service, entrepreneurship, and activism that transcends hazardous political loyalties.
Activities such as community service, young people forums, and skill-building workshops can inspire young people to view themselves as pivotal players in their own development and in shaping the direction of their nation.
In popular culture, many portrayals of young people often focus on rebellion or disengagement; yet, a rising tide of young activists challenges these stereotypes.
Through social media platforms, these burgeoning leaders harness the power of technology and communication to mobilize their peers around issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and positive political engagement.
Their voices should be amplified, not merely as rebels (negative demonstrators, singing empty slogans, and uttering unwise tautologies-empty mouth chor-chor), but as leaders capable of fostering critical discussions that disrupt the status quo and challenge the inadequacies of traditional, unintelligent political structures.
Such empowerment will provide a counter-narrative to unengaged young people, giving rise to a generation that believes in their ability to create meaningful change.
Engagement also requires partnerships between young people, positive intellectual communities, educational institutions, and governmental entities.
This collaborative approach can lead to the development of programs and initiatives specifically designed to meet the unique needs of young people.
For instance, mentorship programs connecting professionals with young people can provide pathways to career opportunities, fostering networking and skill-building essential for the modern workforce.
The above must be one of the government of Liberia’s initiatives, through the Ministries of Education, Labour, State Without Portfolio, and all Public Corporations, to develop corporate social responsibility plans that engage young people for a better, more competitive future as young citizens of Liberia.
This collaboration can ensure that young people are not only prepared to navigate the labor market but also equipped to critically question its challenges.
In reiteration, unengaged young people pose an existential danger to any society striving for economic and social emancipation; they are everywhere, like a headless snake without direction, so that anyone wanting a crowd to follow will call, and they will follow.
The risks borne from a lack of critical engagement are multifaceted, contributing to a cycle in which unqualified individuals exploit the vulnerability of the young.
Liberia serves as an alarming case study in understanding the intricate relationships between young people’s disengagement and societal stagnation.
To avert this downward spiral, it is essential to foster environments that promote critical thinking.
Young people must be empowered to pursue meaningful education, question manipulative narratives, and engage productively in their communities and nation.
As young individuals armed with knowledge and skills rise to the forefront, they will not only become proficient contributors to society but also become leaders.
Still, they will also validate their intrinsic value as architects of their nation’s future, free from the influence of self-serving political nonentities, politicians who are full of empty mouth chor-chor with nothing to show of uplifting the young people from abject slums of poverty.
It is now, more than ever, that Liberia’s young people’s engagement and critical thinking must become the cornerstones of the Liberian society’s pursuit of unyielding growth and emancipation.
