Governance

When I was asked to reflect on the state of youth in Africa, I have to admit, I balked at the enormity of the task. Youth is a poorly defined category; Africa, more so. And as for the state of both – well, how would I know?

This is the Jubilee year for Kenya; fifty years since the country got independence from Britain, the colonial master. Although the country has made significant strides in many spheres of life, the country has not been able to address its largest constituency- the youth.

The usual generation definers or markers such as the “baby boomers” and the “X” and “Y” generations are essentially Eurocentric identities that relate to socio-economic and political experiences and events of North American and Europe, on the continent they may best relate to urban settings.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

This week, as Pambazuka News celebrates the youth of Africa at the same moment that we remember the life and work of Walter Rodney, we seek the inspiration of Rodney and other freedom fighters as we stand up to be counted in the struggles for emancipation and transformation.

Mohamed Bouazizi and Bradley Manning remain powerful symbols of inspiration to progressive forces around the world – particularly young people globally - for their commitment to truth and social justice.

Youth Day in South Africa, June 16, commemorates the beginning of the Soweto riots in 1976. These riots began in protest at the then-apartheid government’s edict that schooling should be conducted only in Afrikaans.

Malawian youth currently comprise a sizable 60 percent in a population of 14 million people. This means that more than half of Malawi is under the age 25. The youth represent a large, underutilized human resource that can impact Malawian development.

Remarks made recently by 2014 presidential aspirant Hon. Atupele Muluzi on the United Democratic Front’s plans to explore the possibility of providing free secondary school education when elected stirred a hornet’s nest. The remarks were reported in The Daily Times of Wednesday 6 March.