Building the Youth for the Future

“The youth is the hope of the future” is a statement that was popularized by the renowned hero of our country, Dr. Jose Rizal. Just as it was centuries ago and even today, we still recognize the significant roles of the youth in the world community, so to celebrate this, the International Youth Day was designated by the United Nations. Today, August 12, we dedicate this day to the roles that young men and women play in their nations. This year the theme of International Youth Day is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”

The world today, as we know it faces many problems and has yet to find solutions to them. There is no doubt that the youth experiences the same problems as those of the adults in our society, for we all live in the same world, some of those problems include such as the problem of global health. Throughout the years there has been a constant effort by the countless young men and women who wish to address such problems, and the United Nations has acknowledged such pursuits. The empowerment that was given to them by education and engagement provided a platform for the youth and gave them a voice to encourage others to take their roles as citizens to the next level. It gave rise to the opportunity to raise awareness which helped others of their age to prepare and face the same challenges. Together, as one, people from all around the world can make a change.

By allowing the youth to take part in activities that benefit the nation we allow them to develop their sense of responsibility towards their communities, shaping them into responsible citizens and in turn responsible adults in the future. In the words of the wise Franklin D. Roosevelt, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”

Artwork by: Vincent Anthony R. Prades