Column: THE AFRICAN PROMISE - THE AFRICAN YOUTH By Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks)
W
hen I was growing up, the idea that Africa would one day be perceived as one was a farfetched dream. Some of our former leaders from across the African divides who coiled the Panafricanism possibilities are either long gone or too old to recollect. But what was once an idea is now not only possibility but borders are now beginning to open up. Many of us the young panafricans who are excited to be part of the new Africa with the new thinking are already anxious to see what areas we can thrive with such move of open borders and new economic opportunities - waiting for the entire continent to follow the
example set by a few who have become forerunners in this challenge - Business in mind. While I am very optimistic about what Africa can and will be I keep on summoning myself for meetings here and there - every now and then. Most of my meetings have endless questions and pondering, always ending with the question - what is my responsibility in all this. Previously this question would always end up with more thinking and envisioning but when all is said and done- it always leads to the leadership we have/ we should have. The current slogan ‘I AM AFRICAN AND AFRICA IS MY BUSINESS’ is coming handy in speeches
of many arousing this kind of mind set. But seated enemy of what is my responsibility as I currently encountered during voter registration drive involvement while working with political aspirants in my country Kenya got me thinking. With current state of global elevation in matters awareness, education and involvement in national matters - we expect t h e African community especially the young blood to be upfront in voicing out community matters. But unfortunately it’s not so. Yes we have encountered a few people here and there championing community action from village to global platforms- but the sad story is that not half of the African population is involved. Talk of sensitive matters as election and leadership - voter apathy by the youth is saddening especially in communities where the old rebrand as youth to continue holding offices while the youth has extremely been alienated from politics and leadership. Previously we had a generation that believed the place of women was in the kitchen but with current examples set by many who have defiled such thinking is proven such norms backward and untrue. And while this kind of discrimination against women is fading and a new working community been birthed, the forces that helped change such norms should now focus on the youth or it will be too late to save the burning cake in the oven.
“Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks) is a graduate with B. A degree in Integrated Community Development, since his college days, he has continued to champion community programs on capacity building and eventually founding United Global Volunteers International, with twelve years of experience as an expert in Community Development, he is also the Founder of Kollywood Horizons - media Business, he also organizes World Volunteer Day (WVD) every 5th of December in Kenya, creating awareness on the need to grow volunteer culture and helps community institutions to get free experts & volunteers to assist solve community problems while experts get opportunity to re-learn and get exposure through various programs across targeting Grassroot capacity building. Jimmy has been awarded by Kenyan government (2010) receiving Good Samaritan honorary award presided by the then speaker of national assembly, Hon. Kenneth Marende. He has also been awarded by Daystar University as the youngest servant leader impacting communities” 38
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