Why Youth Development?

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I will be working in Youth Development. So really, why the youth?

Some background information:

The African Union defines youth from ages 15-34 years. In Eswatini’s 2017 census, youth composed 37.4% of the Eswatini population (Eswatini National Youth Policy 2020). The picture to the left depicts Eswatini’s population breakdown by age groups in 2020. In regards to schooling, primary education is free from Grade 0 to Grade 7. Afterwards, education requires a fee. While primary education enrollments are around 90%, high school and junior secondary rates are around 50% and 30%. Not to mention, unemployment rates are 53% for the youth (PC YD Framework, 2021).

Eswatini is a country that is actively combatting HIV/AIDs. The volunteers and I had the opportunity to speak with different departments in the Ministry of Health on different prevention and intervention methods. Thankfully, Eswatini has reached the 95-95-95% UNAIDS goal recently in 2020. That means 95% of the people know their HIV status, 95% are taking medication for HIV, and 95% have attained the viral suppression. At the same time, youth are still vulnerable to HIV. According to the Eswatini Ministry of Health HIV Incidence Measurement Survey 2, the following youth categories display the HIV rates. Youth ages 15-19 years: (3.9% males and 7.2% females), and youth ages 20-24: (4.2% males, 20.9% females). Thus, female youths are even more vulnerable and at risk.

The Youth

There are pressing reasons why the youth population are so important. The youth are the incoming generation that compose a large population of the country. Moreover, it is important to support the out-of-school youth due to the cost of secondary education or other family reasons. Like any youth who do not receive support, they are at risk: peer pressure, substance abuse, gender violence, an increase risk of mental health, and more. My role as a Youth Development Volunteer is to mitigate these risks through education on HIV/AIDS, teaching life skills, engaging the youth with community activities, and more.

Last Monday, we had guest panelists that included two youths speaking on the topic of OVC (Orphan Vulnerable Children). While HIV rates are reducing, there are orphans who have lost either one or both parents to HIV/AIDs. Vulnerable children also include pregnant girls, children with food insecurities, and more. Schools are encouraging pregnant girls to return back to school, and the Ministry of Education continue to seek ways in supporting their return. A story was shared about a pregnant girl who faced discrimination from her peers when returning back to school (personally, I admire her courage and bravery). She found it difficult to study and concentrate. She may have difficulties concentrating due to staying up to study after caring for her child after school or worrying about her sick child while learning in class. Another story was on how a youth experienced food insecurities due to no longer having a father and their mother being unemployed. Imagine.. going to school hungry, having a lunch meal at school, and then worrying about dinner after school. Would a student really be able to focus in class when their mind is on survival mode? Moreover, how does the youth navigate hunger when the school is on summer/winter break?

As I heard their experiences and imagined the thoughts they may have had, I tried really hard not to cry. I also struggled a lot with my mental health as a youth, and it pains me to see others who experience these struggles. Moreover, while I may not be an orphan who lost both parents, I was also not raised by them; rather, I was raised by my aunt and uncle. As grateful as I am for them, there are definitely different thoughts that cross one’s mind. While it is inevitable for people to experience the hardships, I do not want people to feel alone and isolated. I want them to feel seen and heard, for their emotions to be validated, and to know that certain thoughts or reactions are not absurd; rather, it is a normal response to the hardships that they have been facing.

A Letter to the Youth

Dear Youth,

I know we have not met yet, but I really hope we can get along well. I am looking forward to meeting you all as I enjoy getting to know people for who they are. This includes what you may like, dislike, are passionate about, and so much more. These attributes altogether make each of you…you! I want you all to be seen, heard, and valued. I never have walked in your exact same shoes, but I hope to relate on the emotions behind it in hopes that you would not feel alone. In the meantime, please bear your patience with me as I continue to learn siSwati. I want to reach a level of proficiency where I can talk about complex topics and help you process some thoughts, so that you can feel supported. I understand your culture may not be big on emotions, but that is okay. There are a lot of cultures like that, including mine from a Korean background. Everyone experiences emotions; sometimes, people just need help in articulating them to make sense of it.

Life is hard, but you all are so resilient. There are so many things in life that are out of our control, but I hope you can learn to cope in healthy ways. You all mean so much to me, even though we have yet to meet. I also want to learn your language so that I can share all my skills with you. I really do not have much to offer, but learn some things from me so you can build and gain more knowledge on top of that. Be the best versions of yourselves. The only request I have for you all is to never let go of hope.

I am still in training and have lots to learn before we see each other in school and the community. I will do my best in preparation.

Until then, please be well.

Best Regards,

Arosah