YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Vitality of youth development

I think we are all aware that we are living in the 21st century, also known as the information age, a period when information can be easily accessible through publications and through the manipulation of information by computers and computer networks. This time we are living in is characterized by many changes like never before, especially the ones that are brought about by technology and technological convergence. Now a days, the whole computer can be carried in a pocket in a form of a cellular phone; the cellular phone has all specification of a computer. It carries all Microsoft functionalities from MS Word, MS Excel to MS Outlook, to name the few. Now a days, for example, one can be able to convert a Microsoft Word document into PDF using a smart phone, a functionality that was only done by a personal computer.

It is vital for every member of the community to be informed and be always abreast of all the changes that are brought about by technology or technological advancements. It is a pity to find someone, especially from the youth age who can not use a computer or the one who does not have an email address now a days. No matter the home situation we may come from it is our duty to always seek for knowledge and search for new opportunities that are around us. We should teach ourselves to visit the local libraries and municipal offices to find out about the developmental initiatives that are directed to the youth, and one might be surprised of what he/she may find. Unlike before, when the information was only available to only privileged group of society, nowadays there is plenty of information available at our disposal by means of Google and many other search engines.

UPCOMING MAG

For example, one may be able to find information by typing "institutions that fund businesses" or "how to write a business plan" and find whatever information pertaining to that search. Also, there are even institutions that are dedicated to assist those who are willing to start their businesses, such as CIPC, NYDA, SEDA, and so forth.To better the lives the youth needs to start businesses. We also need to be aware that the knowledge that we get from the colleges, TVET and universities is not only meant for us to complete and look for jobs or be servants but tailor-made to equip and enable one to be able to open his/her business. The youth need to understand that, and refrain from the mentality of completing qualifications and only look for jobs, which delays a lot of valuable time. Furthermore, in South Africa we are so fortunate to have free economy type of system, unlike our neighboring countries where most of the business commodities, such as music, are nationalised by the government. Here in South Africa one may be able to be an independent music artist or film maker without any restrictions from the government. One day I got so surprised to find out that the Department of Housing is authorized to support the low income community members by giving the amount of money to those willing to buy houses but earning less money. Otherwise, there are many opportunities and initiatives implemented by the state government to advance the lives of the citizens, but one needs to always search for those initiatives.