By Abraham John
Sierra Leone’s demographic profile is partly characterized by a large youth population and youth dependency age structure. Anecdotal evidence shows that household responsibilities are shouldered by the youth. The situation is compounded by extremely limited opportunities to jobs in the private and public sectors. The circumstance undermines and hinders national aspirations for economic growth and development. In order to change the scenario, there has to be real-time investment and policy direction to make our youth amenable to national development.
Over the years, youth matters have been politicized and promises have not matched the budgetary allocations for youth development. In addition, there has to be a vision strategy of investing in Sierra Leones youth population to harness the demographic dividend. The ever-increasing youth violence and related drug addiction are outcomes of the lack of real-time and stream-lined investment in the youth population.
Investment in Free Quality Education (FQE) for the Children has to have a corresponding investment in the youth sector. Every year, large numbers of children are churned out of school and with a comparatively little percentage that access tertiary institutions. In the same vein, every year, Graduates are churned out of our tertiary institutions but with little job opportunities in the private and public sectors. These are existential security challenges that require a nuanced national conversation and public policy intervention.
The youth challenge requires a shift from rhetoric to a streamlined national investment and plan.