Education experts on Thursday urged authorities to involve the youth of southern Africa in decision-making, citing their innovative potential and fresh ideas as a means of overcoming rising current challenges.
“I urge dignitaries that are here to provide real platforms, not just in terms of talking, but (in terms of) meaningful engagement, where young people are not at the table to occupy spaces, but actually lead the process in creating solutions that are suitable for them,” said Choolwe Muzyamba, assistant professor at Utrecht University and the University of Amsterdam, at the ongoing 5th edition of the Southern Africa Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC) held in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.
He said solutions in Africa had failed mostly because research is conducted by organizations from outside that come up with solutions and then leave without engaging young people.
Stressing that young people are capable of conducting research that is relevant, appealing, and acceptable to them, Muzyamba urged the youth to take the lead in driving innovation, promoting research, and accepting gradual improvements.
David Norris, vice chancellor of the University of Botswana, said young people are the present and future and should, therefore, be involved in important decisions that affect their lives.
The 5th SARSYC is scheduled for July 17-19, with more than 250 delegates from various academic institutions in 11 African countries in attendance. The conference serves as a regional platform, bringing together students, youth, policymakers, program implementers, and civic groups to address the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by young people in the region.
