I recently read a great op-ed piece in one of Uganda’s major news outlets, Daily Monitor. The headline reads “Why youth participation in national leadership is critical.” The writer talks about how it’s not enough to have youth voting in elections, they need to have real representation in the leadership of the country. I think the writer makes a very good point – it is critical to not only have a voice, but a leader who can truly represent that voice.
But in a democracy, leadership isn’t freely given – it is earned. And if the youth of Uganda want a representative in the government, they have to start by first educating themselves. The future leadership of the country needs to start with a basic education.
The ability to read, write, and think critically are important skills necessary to having an educated democracy that can thrive. Voters need to be aware of not just their needs, but also the needs of the country as a whole, and which potential leaders can best fulfill those needs.
And for the leaders themselves, it’s even more important to be well educated. Not just regarding the issues faced in theircountry, but the world around them. Being a leader involves learning from other leaders’ successes and failures so that they can develop solutions that work for their constituents. It means collaborating with other world leaders to bring ideas and partnerships to your country that improve the lives of its citizens.
All of this has me thinking about the important work we are doing here at Hope for Hearts. In a country plagued with poverty and turmoil, it’s easy to turn a blind eye to educating the youth. Children are needed at home to work and help make ends meet. Many children don’t have a home to go to, and are left fending for themselves on the street. And while working to survive helps in the short-term, it won’t lead to long-term growth for the country, and the cycle of poverty will continue.
That’s why there needs to be more resources and an emphasis on educating youth, especially those who are orphaned or in poverty. We’re not just giving orphans shelter or training the next seamstress, chef or business owner. We’re educating the future leaders of Uganda. From voters to representatives, help us develop the next generation of Uganda’s leadership by making a donation today.
With Gratitude,
Cristen
