My Word
THE year 2017 is upon us with an inevitable aura of mixed resolutions, a hope for positives, and a concern for existing negatives to be challenged and addressed.
My farewell to the old year ended as I landed at Heathrow Airport, and with a flourish and a sense of joie de vivre, I entered my profession on the customs document as ‘retired’.
Biting cold and frost, joyous reunion with family and friends welcomed me to the magic Christmas festivities of lights and celebrations.
Returning to my homeland, matric results dominated the media. This reflected the harsh reality of meagre job opportunities for thousands of desperate youth adding to our shameful percentage of unemployment or adequate education opportunities.
To maintain that his does not only apply to our country is an admission of guilt and inefficiency as our education system is hopelessly inadequate and blatantly lacks priority.
In her final speech as First Lady, Michelle Obama gave an overpowering message relating to the education of the youth of America and to the educators.
This message should be absorbed by our youth and educators as it applies word by word to the relevance of change and hope for the future of any country.
The project she referred to is entitled Reach Higher (RH) and emphasises the need to change the conversation around what it means and what it takes to be a success in a country.
She lauded those powerful, respected and admired individuals for their commitment.
She emphasised that if we always shine the spotlight on professional athletes, recording artists or Hollywood celebrities, why would youth ever see higher education as a priority?
Focus on education
They focused a bright light on all things educational, as they realised as a nation that`s where the spotlight should – children who work hard in school and do the right thing when no one is watching, many beating daunting odds.
School counsellors, teachers and government all play a critical role.
If you or your parents are immigrants, said Obama, accept the fusion of new cultures, talents and ideas paving the way to a great country.
Whether you are Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Sikh, these religions teach youth about justice, compassion and honesty.
She urged youth not to allow anyone to make them feel inferior as they have the right to be exactly who and what they are, but this right has to be earned and not just handed to them.
Youth cannot take freedom for granted, they have to play their part to protect and preserve those freedoms.
She called upon the fundamental belief in the power of hope which allows one to rise above the voices of doubt and division, of anger or fear – as if you believe in yourself you can be whatever you dream said Obama.
`That is the kind of hope that every single one of us – politicians, parents and preachers – need to be providing for our young people.
Because that is what moves a country forward every single day – the hope for the future and the hard work that hope inspires. Lead by example with hope, never fear,` said Obama to tumultuous applause.
And in our own beloved South Africa, how do we achieve such noble resolutions?
Possibly a day at a time showing genuine respect, encouragement, interest and communication with every individual who touches our lives.
