Children and youth; the present to our future...

I spend a lot of time thinking about the daunting task of writing a new chapter in the history books of mama Africa. I refuse to settle for the culture of absolute dependency that exists in the continent today. I dream to speak of the continent Africa that is in full control of her affairs and is recognized for the significant role she plays in our globalizing world. I dream to speak of a continent where people triumph over challenges preventing them from pursuing higher ambitions.

It is very easy to be discouraged by the complexities involved in many of the problems we see in Africa, and the unsustainable fixes that fall apart to make the dreams of a brighter continent inevitable.

I like to think I belong to a generation that believes in these dreams and will invest in sustainable solutions, which will change the destiny of Africa. I keep coming across the statement, "It takes a village to raise a child" and this is much reassurance for me because mama Africa has a high youthful population and numerous villages spread across 53 countries. The values contained in these villages will raise children and youth, the most valuable assets to Africa.

I believe the Future of Africa lies in the hands of children and youth whose endless curiosity and dreams will generate innovative solutions for the problems the continent faces today. Given the growing youthful population in the continent, we will be making a good head start for change when we direct our energy, resources, skills and opportunities to nurture and encourage the youth to pursue the future we seek.

I see the manifestation of change in the lives of the children I met in the Arua, Uganda who have dreams of being a doctor, teacher, engineers etc. in response to challenges they face on a day to day bases.

I see the manifestation of change in the experiences of children and youth who have been silenced in poverty, abusive parent-child relationships or are maltreated by their caretakers. Some of them flee their homes to contribute to the informal sector as "Kayayos","shoemakers" etc.



I see the manifestation of change in the lives of smart dedicated students who are forced to drop out of school due to lack of tuition or school supplies.

Change is manifested in the lives of children hawking in the streets of Accra, Arua, Kampala, Lagos, Cotonou, Freetown, Monrovia etc. who face the harsh realities of giving up their childhood to support their family.

I see the manifestation of change in the lives of children and youth whose dreams and passions are shattered because of the lack of confidence and support shown by parents and the people who matter most in their lives.

This manifestation exists in the lives of frustrated children and youth who are easily convinced into armed robbery, prostitution, slavery and being soldiers because there is no support to navigate through their challenging realities.

This is where we lose the Future of Africa. The great minds, hearts and experiences we walk by, see on the news and talk about, who can change the destiny of the entire continent.

Our solutions are evident but we have accepted these realities as the unfortunate part of our existence and humanity.

This is the cause to which we should all be committed. In Future of Africa, we believe through our collective actions, we will uncover and nurture the dreams and potential for locally owned solutions led by the children and youth of the continent.

Next time you are moved with admiration, pity or hope when you see images like these...

remind yourself of the capacity these children and youth have to make an impact on the continent if they have the necessary support to navigate through their current realities. This is your call to action. Through our Journeys for Change we will learn from their stories and explore how we can leverage the challenges they face into motivations to make a difference.

This is my life calling and the cause I am passionate about.