International Youth Day 2019

Today, World YMCA celebrates International Youth Day and this year’s theme is “Transforming Education.” Youth organisations around the world, together with the United Nations, international NGOs and governments are working to make education more inclusive and accessible for all young people.

We took the opportunity at YMCA175 to ask our participants to share with us what they think should be changed or improved to ensure that education responds to their needs.

2044 vision workshops feedback

We first met young people during the three workshops organised to shape the YMCA’s Vision2044.

We asked which social structures need to change to support their communities, and education ranked as most in need of change. Answers emphasised sustainability and equality through education to help people “know how to live and let live in our one common and interdependent planet.” It was also emphasised that quality education should be available to all “whether they can pay or not.”

Also, in the last week, World YMCA gathered comments from nearly 100 members in 40 countries

in response to the questions we have shared online last July. According to the results, education was again seen as the key to shaping the communities of the future, with a view to educating citizens in their rights, obligations and responsibilities. Respondents said they faced an uncertain future, and recognised the need to transform social norms, mindsets, government structures and economic engines. They called for leaders not just to listen, but to hear, and to face the facts.

More insights from YMCA175 delegates

Clarence, USA

In my country, there are serious budget cuts on education and teachers are losing their jobs. These are the people who develop the future of our world. Education needs proper funding and strong guidance. I personally attended two vocational schools and one of them shut down completely a year or so ago and left thousands of students with debt. The school made its money and closed with no consequence. On another note, we also need to monitor what we teach our young people and how we do it. I would say that having many internships is very helpful to get to know a job or a sector. At YMCA, we also organise college tours. For one week young people can visit a number of colleges to expand their views and opportunities for their next stage.

Natalie Cheung, UK

I think we need to change our mindset. Each career requires a variety of skills which do not come from just one school class. We have the perception that some people are naturally inclined to certain skills and fields of expertise, but young people can adapt and develop more than that. We need to equip young people with transferable skills for the future of work, they may have multiple careers in their lifetime! I hope to see employers recognising that people from all education backgrounds can and will add value. All people need the opportunity to thrive in decent work.

Cristhian, Colombia

Often, schools prepare you for work but not for life. Some skills, such as communications or team work, need to be taught from an early age. We need to learn how to be aware of others around us. We need to be educated to understand that if we work together, there is a better outcome. I guess education needs to include emotional intelligence teaching.

Ayola, UK

It is important to invest in people from an early age. I was fortunate enough to go to school, college, university and had a supportive family throughout my education. There are many academic options available, but I feel we should introduce emotional resilience at a young age. Young people are the foundation for the future, so by providing the right tools to educate themselves, it allows them to become empowered and equipped to develop a sustainable future.

In his final address to the delegates of YMCA175, World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Madjri Sanvee said, “We are committed to making youth empowerment a reality. We will go beyond providing services to young people to promoting their personal development. Together we will ensure that all over the world, young people are equipped to withstand abuse of power, injustice and irrelevance – that is true empowerment!”

Use hashtags #YouthDay and #Youth2030 to engage online.