Thoughts on “Youth Leaders”

A few days ago, I happened upon a Facebook post, in which, the author (who shall remain unnamed), berated “self-proclaimed youth leaders” for rising to fame at the expense of others who remained disenfranchised. The post further went on to explain that the author had no issue with people wanting the best for themselves, but rather, he took issue with those who had exploited marginalized youth by claiming that they had contributed to development, and used these claims to develop portfolios with which they gained access to ‘big’ positions overseas.
Perhaps, I am detached from this form of society, but it honestly seemed like an incredibly specific circumstance. However, scrolling through comments it became apparent that many people felt as though they had seen this happen time and time again. My personal thoughts on this, is if the situation is portrayed accurately, then this is truly despicable.
Let me make my points clear, I take issue with people assuming that ‘intellectuals’, or people who have been given the opportunity to study abroad have to return home and work in Guyana to contribute towards its development. I think that idea is incredibly selfish, and inconsiderate of the person. Imagine for instance, if I were to pursue theoretical physics, what job could I come home to? What sector could I develop? And what of my own academic or career ambitions? Should I disregard them and return home to work at UG, so that the physics department can eventually begin to offer an undergraduate degree? Or should I do what fulfills me, i.e. working in a research lab? We speak of the brain drain in length, but we seemingly fail to acknowledge the lack of opportunities that are available for those who choose to return. And does it mean if one lives abroad that one cannot contribute to positive development of youth? Of course not. There are many youth developmental programs that I have been apart of that were spearheaded by Guyanese of the diaspora, for example, the Queen’s College Summer Math Institute, or STEM Guyana.
However, if you were given access to your opportunities because of promises to the youth of Guyana, you subsequently rise to prominence and then later ‘forget’ these promises then I would take issue with that. If you only care about a cause when it is convenient and beneficial to you, then you need to reevaluate yourself. It is almost, if not, deceitful.
It is in some way; difficult to define who constitutes a youth leader. There is no traditional means of identifying them, and therefore no standard way of holding them accountable. I like to think of youth leaders as people with influence over an audience of young people, and nowadays, with the advent of social media, anyone can rise to the position. If you do become regarded as a leader, you have to take that power seriously. You have to understand what you have the ability to do, and be clear with your intentions.
I think the post specifically takes issue with the disingenuous nature of some people, in that they claim they want development but then they do not use their resources to make an impact. And in some instances, even exploit the poor conditions of youths in Guyana to elevate themselves.
I guess the final takeaway is that you shouldn’t promise what you can’t, or rather won’t deliver. People will notice, and talk.