Youth Spark the Flames of Change; so, Set it All Ablaze

Generations of people are born and they achieve notable legacies. Of course, that is not to say that they do no leave behind their fair share of hard-hitting mishaps. There comes a time when a certain generation is thrust into the spotlight. This limelight is almost blinding; it feels like every move of theirs is being heavily scrutinized by older generations. Questions follow: What is our purpose? Who decides the legacy we leave behind? Who are we? Why was I chosen to be a part of this generation? What is my purpose?

Lately, in such a technologically savvy, globalized world, younger children are maturing faster and gaining knowledge quicker. Certain ideals and beliefs are being challenged by uproarious, rebellious “youngsters”. This younger generation is facing exposure to certain worldly entities much earlier. During a time when information concerning almost any topic known to man is available, adolescents have the ability to reach individuals across the world. And that is power.

Personally, as someone who is a part of this younger and rapidly maturing generation, the capacity for change on a grander scale is achievable—and almost laughably so. See, sometimes there is this kind of hopelessness or indifference attached to the idea of being able to impact the world. Yes, the power—the ability—is there, and I feel that it is an inherent characteristic. We have access to the Internet—which in itself is an extremely influential entity—but there is also this innovative, electric current roaring in our blood. As human beings, we possess the power to incite change—both internally and externally. Being as young and capable as we are, imagine the power flickering at our fingertips. It is there.

Youth have been taking initiative, especially in raising awareness about certain issues that they are passionate about. Think about Malala Yousafzai’s tireless advocacy for the importance of girls’ education or Alexandra “Alex” Scott of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, who started the campaign in 2000 with her brother. Their goal had been to make money for pediatric cancer patients. Her legacy continues despite her untimely passing, yet the idea for such an impactful organization was brought about by a child. Children’s abilities are often underestimated. If we are the future, shouldn’t we be given the opportunity and platform to express our opinions on the decisions made by our political superiors or authority figures that normally affect us directly?
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We have the power in our hands as the children of the future. We can advocate for women and girls’ inalienable rights, speak up against sexism, misogyny, and racial issues, and inspire the change we want to see in the world. Social media, despite all of its setbacks, acts as a useful tool to utilize in areas where humanity’s most pressing issues are prevalent. All of the pieces are falling into place, and there is no better time like now for youth to set the whole operation in motion. To my fellow youth, if you are passionate about something that you know could improve who you are, or the conditions other individuals are living in, then it is not too late to set everything in motion. Actually it never is too late, despite the fact that it may feel that way.

On this International Youth Day, set it all ablaze because youth spark the flames of change. #IYD2018

By Habiba Matumla, ​CSI Youth Volunteer

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