ALL IS NOT lost with our young people.
Instead of bemoaning what is happening in our society, especially in light of recent shootings that have ended tragically for some, and the concern voiced generally about the level of crime, the fact remains that we as a country still need to save the youth who are going astray.
We need to be mindful of the fact that there are still many positive young people in our midst who are doing their all to ensure they make a meaningful contribution to society. All must be done to ensure they do not fall through the cracks.
Over the past week or so, NATION reporters have traversed the country talking to those who have been affected by crime and those who felt passionately enough to vent on the issue. Their voices and concerns have been heard. But they also need to be heeded.
Gone are the days when we stereotyped those from certain areas who stepped forward to speak out about social issues. Everyone has a voice and the NATION is making sure that the various voices and messages are being carried.
Against that background, there are young people who are trying to make a positive difference and who are praying for peace to be restored. Right now there are those who are seeking places in tertiary institutions to further their education. There are also some who are taking matters into their own hands and not waiting for handouts from Government to clean up their surroundings, and there are those who are focused on mentoring young men. We applaud these moves and say stay on that path.
One such group is the Joshua Men Young Guns which is working to empower young men to seek God and do better in their lives. We need more groups like these, especially when we read of so many young men who have lost their way.
The church must continue to reach out to those who are disillusioned while those responsible for our education system must step up and do right by young people.
We make this call against the background of well known lawyer Andrew Pilgrim stating that each year more than 100 young men leave secondary school without certification.
Let us protect the youth from the blocks, drugs and crime. We cannot afford to lose anymore of our young people. We must do all we can to help save them.
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