Current Situation of the Youth Today

The youth as José Rizal wrote in "A la juventud Filipina", is the Bella esperanza de la Patria Mia or the “beautiful hope of the fatherland”. Meaning, we are the the forerunners of next generation and the generations to come. This is because, the ones we call “kids” would be the future leaders of our nation towards the future we all endeavor. And in order to live out the hopes of our national hero, we, the youth must start with having a good sense of patriotism.

In the contrary, the youth, today are active, but not aware. Or in other words, the young are powerful but ignorant. Because, to think of it, the Filipino youth can have a huge impact in the society through their large demographic, young minds, and their significant influence especially on social media. But unfortunately, that power has not been put into great use. And what’s even more upsetting is that young netizens are more focused on following trends than changing the nation for the better.

According to a report by news website indy100 on 2017, the Philippines ranked third among countries with the "most ignorant" people regarding their nation's key issues. The report was based on a survey that asked 500 respondents with aged ranging from 16-64 from the Philippines regarding common issues such as teenage births, alcohol, and religion among others.

Even though, the news is disappointing as it gets. We must not let it get the best of us. Republic Act No. 8044 “Youth in Nation-Building Act” affirms that the state recognizes its responsibility to enable the youth to fulfill their vital role in nation-building and hereby establishes the National Comprehensive and Coordinated Program on Youth Development, creates the structures to implement the same and appropriate adequate funds to provide support for the program and implementing structures on a continuing sustained basis. Meaning the government is willing to support any forms of programs with the means of promoting and acknowledging the Filipino youth as keys to change the society and nation-building.

Hence, We, the Filipino youth in order to make a change in our society, must bare in mind that in our own little way, being socially and politically aware is not a movement but a responsibility.

 Why the Youth Can Make a Change

• The Youth wants to make a difference

Young people have an acute sense of justice when it comes to society’s issues. Looking at the world with fresh eyes, they see its problems as moral wrongs that can and should be righted. There is no reason in their minds why change isn’t possible now, so they are eager and willing to get involved; both by contributing to grassroots efforts and joining the search for long-term solutions.

• The Youth are creative

The fresh perspective young people bring to the world gives them a unique ability to think up creative solutions. Unconstrained by deep-rooted societal norms, youth can come up with ideas that would not have crossed the minds of more world-weary adults. These solutions may not always be practical, but they can uncover hidden assumptions and opportunities that illuminate new pathways forward.

•  The Youth have an important perspective

Many of today ís greatest social issues have a particular impact on young people. Given their typical roles as students and care-receivers, youth often experience issues like gender inequality and violence much differently than adults. This perspective is critical to incorporate in the solution to any social problem, because it reveals new dimensions of each issue and suggests opportunities for innovation.

• Change-making develops effective, optimistic future leaders

When young people contribute their ideas and energy to addressing social issues, they begin to see themselves as capable leaders who can make important contributions to the lives of others. Youth who might otherwise feel academically or socially inferior to their peers realize that their unique strengths are needed to build a better world. The empowering effects of change-making spill over into adulthood, as youth retain their motivation to help others and pursue their goals with confidence.

Young people are a limitless source of innovative energy, and engaging them now will inspire a generation of lifelong change-makers. So why don’t we invite them to join the team today? Let us encourage youth to start their own social ventures and give them the support they need to be successful. And more importantly, let us invite them to the decision-making table where their voices will truly be heard. Young people deserve the chance to explore and address the problems they see around them and their contribution is an opportunity the world can’t miss.

 Ways on How The Youth Can Change

1. Be informed about your rights: All children and youth hold national and international rights. These rights are only of use to them if they are aware about them.They should use these rights if they are in trouble or face any injustice.
2. Learn about local issues: Learning the issue will help in formulating solutions that will have an impact on you and your community.They should be aware of the local problems that are affecting their neighborhood or community.
3. Express yourself: Speaking your mind online (through social media), and/or offline (at local meetings and gatherings) helps you conclude yourself and your interests. Think before posting. Social media has a long memory and things can never truly be deleted.
4. Attach yourself to other people: There are many inspiring youth like you around the world. Reach out to them. Learn about their efforts and initiatives, they might also work for you. Spreading the word and working together, the young generation could have an enormous impact on the society and gives them initiative to make the world a better place.
5. Spread the word: If there are vital issues and concerns that are going unaddressed, become the person who addresses them. You are part of a community, and have the power to educate and influence those around you.
6. Join online campaigns: Joining online campaigns allows the youth to be active in the online community and letting them be aware of the issues in the society.
7. Host a youth summit: Absorb and share your perspectives and views with groups as well as decision-makers. Schools and local organizations can be of splendid support to you in trying to create a forum or blog for the exchange of ideas and solutions. Bring together unlike societies and communities and analyze what you have in particular, as well as your differences in interests and perspectives.
8. Use your creativity: Utilize your intellect and abilities to create and transform ideas into meaningful and successful solutions.
9. Join/create a youth organization: Local and national youth organizations are wonderful places to expand your knowledge and abilities to become a resourceful member of your society. If not, create a youth organization yourself and to set goals to help tackle and pursue youthly concerns.
10. Be an inspiration: Believe in yourself, and take initiative to implement changes. Passionate and enlightened youth can change the world.

 Sources:

Current Situation:

https://www.indy100.com/article/most-ignorant-accurate-countries-mapped-world-2017-ipsos-mori-study-south-africa-sweden-8194016
https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/article69564172.html​ http://halalan.up.edu.ph/viewpoints/by-students/275-is-there-room-for-the-filipino-youth-to-be-politically-ambitious​ https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/126162-cebu-millennials-engage-local-elections​                                                      http://opinion.inquirer.net/89783/the-filipino-youths-political-responsibility​ https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/environment/136025-upgreen-poverty-young-filipino-environment

Why the youth can make a change:

https://www.tbd.community/en/a/youth-untapped-resource

Ways on how the youth can change:

http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2015/8/11/10-ways-youth-can-make-an-impact.html