It was the magical formula of the decades 1960s to early 1990s. It was simple and it worked well. All the young people who heeded the advice of their teachers and parents/ guardians to work hard at getting an education; even gaining university admission, were assured ‘good jobs’.
Good jobs were defined as paid positions in the medical or legal field. Accountants and other financial officers faired well. Selling charcoal at the village store was not a job of educated youth because every child who performed well at school got himself or herself a job without much ado. There was no need for ‘ten years relevant work experience’ because new, young graduates in general were not expected to have much experience. They would learn on the job.
Then globalisation started to happen at supersonic speed, riding on the wings of great technological advances and causing massive poverty and unemployment for millions around the globe. The 'traditional' work place has also undergone changes. The unprepared Kenyan graduate is now struggling to disentangle himself / herself from ‘graduate catch 22’. New and not-so-new college graduates without significant and relevant work experience cannot easily secure a good job; yet they need relevant work experience to secure a job!
Experience has traditionally been gained through different ways such as voluntary work, club membership and internships. Internships and voluntary work are virtually inaccessible; even discriminatory particularly against young people from low income families. Young people from middle to high income families enjoy more access to the networks of their relations most of whom are in reputable organisations. They are more likely to have useful contacts than young people from lower income brackets whose main pre-occupation is survival (obtaining daily necessities). Being a member of a reputable social or professional club requires membership fees. How would a jobless graduate afford these if he / she cannot put food on the table?
“Advances in technology and the rapid globalisation , will offer some of the youth opportunities to have decent lives. But millions others have bleaker prospects. Many, risk non-entry into the work force,” according to International Labour Organisation.
Recognising the needs of the rapidly increasing number of jobless young and educated; even educated and experienced ones, the Kenyan government has been addressing the unemployed youth bulge problem through a youth development initiative. Upcoming entrepreneurs can now access necessary capital through a Community Development Fund. This has given hope to some of them.
Education alone or some work experiences without sound education are now very bad employers. It is the responsibility of the government to include the growing number of global youth in designing and implementing programmes (education, labour, health) that benefit them. The youth must arise and be very creative to find both good education and work experience.
The number of youth is increasing fast and in another ten to 20 years; young people will rule the world, literally. I look forward to a future with educated and experienced young people who earn a living without endangering the lives of others.
Romosh
