What are our young people thinking? How informed are they about issues affecting not only them but broader society?
Last week, I attended a schools’ team speaking competition and I was impressed by the subject matter of choice. The pupils who are in grades 10 to 12 presented well-researched topics and spoke confidently about their subject matter.
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Topics focused on ‘cultural appropriation’, ‘depression’, ‘degradation of social interaction’, ‘gender-based violence’ and ageism among others.
It was not only a presentation but the pupils had to find possible solutions to the problems of their chosen topics. It was interesting to hear how some had implemented experimental programmes in their schools.
An interesting experiment was on social interaction where pupils had to be physically present in a classroom to have a conversation with each other rather than being reliant on social media to communicate. This was held over a number of weeks and turned out to be successful.
The teams displayed excellent judgement when thinking out of the box to find possible solutions.
Another interesting topic was ageism. The focus of the topic was how the older generation with more experience has the ability to guide youngsters. Often there is a generational gap between those older and younger, as they don’t often see eye to eye on certain issues.
The adjudicators were impressed with the high level of research and the pupils’ knowledge of their relevant subject matter.
Our youth are informed about issues not only affecting them but their communities, country and the world. They have a role and a purpose and they need all-round support to be the best they can.
Who knows? Perhaps the next Greta Thunberg – the Swedish environmental activist on climate change whose campaigning has gained international recognition – could be in our midst.
So let’s nurture and encourage those future activists, inventors, government ministers and others who can make a difference.
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