In a global landscape punctuated by dynamic change and rapid innovation, nations must adopt a future-oriented mindset, lest they fall into the abyss of retrogression, an existential threat to progress and prosperity.
By Austin S Fallah, A Young Liberian Who Believes in the Future of Liberian Youths
At the heart of this stark reality stands Liberia, a country with the potential to grow yet seemingly anchored in bygone times.
While a myriad of countries embrace progress, too many Liberians, particularly the youth, remain ensconced in the dark shadows of the medieval age.
The question that thus manifests weighs heavily.
Why do Liberian youths persist in antiquated ways rather than steering their homeland toward a brighter horizon?
The world has transitioned into the 21st century with a voracious appetite for advancement.
Nations have cast their vision forward, with young citizens at the helm, fostering intellectual growth and innovation.
Yet, in Liberia, a worrying penchant for militancy and the idolization of the very figures responsible for the nation’s plight paints a dismal picture.
This ill-fated practice not only hinders progress but perpetuates the cycle of poverty that stifles the dreams of Liberian youths.
The irony is staggering, those who should champion the country’s development are clinging to detrimental behaviors that promise nothing but retrogression.
The urgency for change cannot be overstated.
Young Liberians must cast aside the shackles of ‘small-boylic’ and ‘small-girlic’ talks(self-made terminologies) indicative of petty, unproductive exchanges that have long outlived any semblance of usefulness.
These discourses, grounded in personal jibes and trifling matters, serve only to distract from the pressing issues that require attention.
The youthful energy that could be harnessed for innovation and constructive debate is squandered, leaving a void where influential voices and ideas should resonate.
In the 21st century, the measure of a nation’s vitality is often gauged by its intellectual, social, and economic prowess on international platforms.
It is not the arsenal of weapons nor the depth of its coffers that alone determines its standing but rather the robustness of its human capital.
For Liberian youths, the imperative is clear.
Compete and collaborate with peers across the globe, not in warfare or petty squabbles, but in arenas of intellectual discourse and enlightened debate.
The potential rewards are manifold recognition on the world stage, the attraction of investments, and the contribution to a knowledge-based society capable of driving sustainable development.
It is high time for a paradigm shift.
Liberian youths must unshackle themselves from the dregs of negative behavior and look towards becoming a beacon of innovation and critical thought.
To achieve this, they must open their eyes, minds, and souls to new ideas, new technologies, and creative endeavors.
Embracing a culture of positivity and value creation is non-negotiable, and therein lies the heart of progress.
Education plays a pivotal role in this transformation.
Liberia’s education system must reorient its focus toward critical thinking and problem-solving, eschewing rote learning for a curriculum that prepares students for the realities of the global economy. Investment in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is crucial, as these are the areas that drive development and provide solutions to contemporary challenges.
Simultaneously, entrepreneurship should be encouraged among the youth.
The current digital era offers unprecedented opportunities for innovative minds to craft solutions that cater to local and global markets.
By endorsing and nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit, the young citizens of Liberia can create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute significantly to pulling the country out of economic doldrums.
The role of governance cannot be understated either.
The Liberian government must act as a catalyst for youth empowerment, creating policies that are conducive to learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Corruption, which has long plagued the nation, must be eradicated with unwavering resolve.
Only then can the resources of the state be aptly channeled toward the fostering of a generation that is educated, enlightened, and enterprising.
Let me finally say that the youth themselves must rise to the occasion.
The change that Liberia so desperately needs will not come about through passivity or the blame game.
Liberation from the past’s grip requires active engagement, collective responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.
Young Liberians must become vanguards of a new age, an era marked by progress, inclusivity, and equity.
They must be the initiators of uplifting dialogues, the creators of innovative solutions, and the architects of a new, progressive Liberia.
The perils of retrogression are only too palpable for countries languishing in their shadows.
The 21st century waits for no nation.
It is a century of action, innovation, and forward-thinking.
Liberian youths are at a crossroads, with the power to either uphold the status quo or to become trailblazers for a renaissance in their beloved country.
By embracing intellectualism and innovation and infusing their actions with positivity, they can carve a niche for Liberia in the new world order.
The challenge is significant, and the journey long, but the rewards of preventing the retrogression of a nation are worth every effort.
Liberian youths, the future is in your hands, seize it with courage, creativity, and conviction.
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