Published: Tuesday | June 10, 2014

Bleak future for children

THE EDITOR, Sir:

We often sing the famous song by the late Whitney Houston with the lines, "I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way". However, I have come to one conclusion. The Grinch has stolen the future of our kids.

Who is Grinch? The Grinch is us, the adults, the people who should be clearing a path for our youths to see ahead, guiding them and, most important, leading by example.

We cannot say we believe the children are our future when we are not creating a future for them to live in. We make it hard for them to even help themselves aspire and achieve simple goals.

We implement unrealistic community programmes that will not yield much success. One or two will get a job or a scholarship, but what happens to the majority?

NO CONCRETE PLANS

We give them a 'cerfiticate' (certificate) and tell them, "Job well done!" Photographs are taken, and when all is done, they go back to sitting on the corner and 'hustle', while a certificate lies on their dresser growing dust.

If we do not sort out our youths right away, we'll be doomed. They are giving up and are fighting to guarantee a good, solid future. It is hard for them to further their education because it is too expensive, it is hard for them to utilise simple skills to get employment.

We need more sporting programmes to help the ones who are not academically inclined and more assistance for those who need to acquire tertiary education and for those who have battled to get a degree. Sitting at home is not acceptable.

If we do not address it immediately, I fear to grow old in my own country when these youths become adults. Let us stop cheating the children and give them the future they deserve.