World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action
As the theme this year is how to partner with youth in building a better future. I, Jenan S
Johnson, working as a breastfeeding youth advocate and a youth representative for World
Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), would like to share some tips as a youth on how to
interact, attract and get youth globally to take action in conjunction with the International Youth
Day.
Let the youth have a political say through the arts!
Firstly, youth, people in general, love the arts and are attracted to it. So I say; give youths a
voice through the art, attract them with programmes that are organized to showcase the youth
for who they are and teach them to stand up for what they believe in.
And also to let the youth voice out their opinions on the subject. This is the more important fact
that makes us feel like we actually can do something to change the future for the better. As the
youth are the future generation, we have to learn to lead and speak up for what is right, don't
we?
Citizenship; and Protection of rights.
Youth are citizens too. And we too have the same rights as would any other adult. These rights
need to be respected, protected and facilitated! Youth also need to be encouraged to be active
citizens in any country. The more platforms they have to engage the more they can be active
contributing citizens!
Giving youth the education they need!
Organisations or Universities should provide programmes to training the youth in
communication and social skills. These institution could also create mentorship programmes
which will help to motivate the youth and it would help them in the future. Such as having
more job opportunities.
However, there is also the topic of Sexual and Reproductive Health education. People are
trying to come up with ways to prevent sex before marriage but the truth is it happens whether
we like it or not. But you could make a difference by teaching secondary school students how
to prevent problems like Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and pregnancy. Through this
abortion levels as well as baby dumping cases will definitely decrease!
Employment for youth!
Organisations and companies can make part-time jobs available for youth as it will give them
experience for their future. One thing that people forget is that youth can have loads of amazing
ideas, that's why I say, take on youth as interns or, better yet, partners. It'll give us a head start
and with broadening business ideas it can be a major increase in income to your business.
Youth as entrepreneurs!
You have to use the social media as a way to attract the youth, such as through facebook,
twitter, and blogs, if you want them as advocates you're going to have to get their attention their
way! After you have done all this you would have helped a youth become a leader. Therefore,
let them organise events that are done by the youth for the youth or to even attract other youths
for a cause. Through them organise fund raising events done by all those youths for taking
action for a cause.
Have a little fun at work!
Lastly, I feel that sometime adults forget to have fun and play around with things or ideas.
Create an environment that has inter-generation play and competition. And if you have that
attitude you will definitely be able to work with the youth and they will want to work with you
as well!
Think young, Act young!
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