The term “Youth” can be difficult to define accurately. It can be understood as a transitionary period from a childlike dependence to adulthood and independence. Hence, as a category, youth is more fluid than any other age group. It is easier to define youth by age especially concerning education and employment, as “youth” is often referred to as a person between the ages of leaving the compulsory education system and finding their first job. According to the United Nations, youth are people between the ages of 15 and 24. This is, however, not universally accepted, other age ranges are also considered such as 15 to 35 as suggested by the African Union in their Youth Charter.
Pakistan is one of the largest ‘young’ countries in the world with around 64% of the population under 30. Out of these, one-third of the population is between the ages of 10 and 24. The decisions they make now will not only shape their adolescent and adult lives but the lives of others, especially future generations. Yet, no matter how many studies and reports emphasize their importance, our youth still face numerous difficulties in achieving their full potential.
In countries like Pakistan, there also exists a gender bias regarding the difficulties faced by the youth in achieving their goals. Young women are particularly vulnerable. As per the Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (2012-2013), 14 % of girls, aged 15-19, have been married. This number is seven times higher than their male counterparts of the same age. 8% of young women aged 15-19 have become pregnant. School dropout rates are also alarming. 49 % of girls and 40 % of boys are currently out of school.
What we have to understand is that youth represent the lifeblood of change and progress in society. Their energy, fresh perspectives, and willingness to challenge the status quo make them vital agents of innovation and social transformation. As the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow, the significance of youth lies in their power to shape the future. They can better address pressing global challenges and drive economic growth.
Youth is a finite but incredibly valuable resource just like coal, oil, and gas. It is non-renewable. Just as we manage and utilize non-renewable resources responsibly to ensure their long-term sustainability, we must invest in and empower youth to make the most of their talent and ideas. By doing so, we can maximize the dividends they provide for the benefit of current and future generations, all while recognizing that, like non-renewable resources, their vitality is a limited and irreplaceable resource that must be managed wisely.
They help developing countries increase their exports, improving their standard of living as well as helping their country to become financially independent. One of the dominant ways this is being done is through freelancing and working for international clients. This increases foreign cash inflow into the economy which leads to stabilization and strengthening of local currency. Leading to economic growth, youth is a key ingredient in this recipe of betterment.
Youth also play a pivotal role in shaping the course of political upheaval in a nation. Their energy, idealism, and passion for social justice often drive movements for political reform and better governance. They play a key role in harboring positive change. History shows that youth-led protests have been the catalysts for societal progress, demanding transparency, and accountability in political institutions. Whether advocating for democratic reforms, social rights, or societal betterment, young people are integral to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan, they have limited access to opportunities to grow and better themselves. There are scarce employment opportunities that lead to a huge chunk of youth being unemployed and thus forced below the poverty line. Out of desperation, some resort to crime. Others resort to drugs and the like to escape reality, albeit for a short period.
One of the main reasons for the unemployment of Pakistan’s youth lies in the issues with our education system. According to UNICEF, Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children, with an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 not attending school, representing 44 percent of the total population in this age group. This can be alleviated by investing heavily in Early Childhood Education (ECE), so children are ready for school. The problem continues further. From elementary school up until intermediate (class 12), students are being taught outdated syllabi that do not shape them for today’s needs. Most of the scientific books taught in high school have been used since the start of the 21st century. While science is developing rapidly day by day, our educational standards have not caught up.
Another problem is expensive education. Education in government schools and colleges is not up to the mark, while private education is out of reach for many. Hence a majority of youth are deprived of basic quality education from their childhood. This causes the gap between the poor and the rich to get wider and wider, as underprivileged youth do not have access to the same education standard as the elite class.
This problem is further emphasized as a student gets into higher education. With the scarcity of government universities that provide quality education, this gap between the underprivileged and privileged students is further broadened. Dr. Ruby Payne has provided much-needed insights for understanding the impact of poverty on individuals and offers insights into the mindsets of these people in her book “A Framework for Understanding Poverty”. She has specifically shed light on the impact of unstable home environments, lack of parental involvement, exposure to violence and trauma, stigma, stereotyping, and peer pressure on a student’s educational experience.
The government has not invested much in industrialization in Pakistan. Fewer and fewer new jobs are being created because of a consumption-based economy. Along with this, inflation is rising to new levels as the rupee is devaluing day by day. The government needs to make long-term economic policies that shift us to an export-based economy. This will lead to more jobs being created, less unemployment, and thus reducing poverty.
A large chunk of Pakistani youth looks for opportunities abroad because of less favorable employment chances locally. This mostly tends to be skilled youth who can play a vital role in the development of Pakistan. This trend has grown exponentially in recent years. As published by The Express Tribune Daily, about 225,000 Pakistanis left the country in 2021. This number nearly tripled to 765,000 in 2022. This trend is showing no signs of abating in 2023. This brain drain crisis can only be alleviated if youth are provided ample and favorable opportunities locally.
The underprivileged youth are excluded from availing opportunities abroad as well. They do not have the resources to fund their study or travel expenditures. Hence, on average, they are stuck in a cycle for generations to come. An easily achievable way to involve youth in creative and productive spaces is by encouraging them into leadership positions, accepting their nuanced perspectives, and giving them the space to grow.