Youthless Society !

In a recent article "Love Beyond Measure" I talked about the challenge parents have to bring up their children into mature and responsible adults.

March 12 has been declared a Youth Day holiday in Zambia. On this day the youth of the country are given an honour . A youth is an indivual who is below the age of 35 years.

During the struggle for political independence the youth wing of the UNIP party was the most dreaded in the then Northern Rhodesia. The youths were involved in activities that frustrated a lot of the colonial masters' oppressive machinery. They became so powerful that the mere mention of the word "youth" used to bring shivers amongst the ruling white colonial elite.

After independence in 1964, the youth were given a special task to participate in the country's development . This saw the formation of the Zambia Youth Service which later became the now Zambia National Service.

Today more than 80% of the country's population (estimated at 12 million) consist of the youth. The unemployment level in the country is very high. The majority of those not in employment are the youth.

As we observe youth day we should look at ways to find a lasting solution to the plight of our youth. A formation of a "Youth Development Commission" would be a very good idea.

We are a "youthless society" without the participation of our youth in national development.