International Youth Day 2019: Transforming education by understanding youth aspirations

August 12^th is an important day for the youths all over the world as this day is celebrated as International Youth Day by the United Nations every year. At NSN, we celebrated the occasion by connecting with the youth of our country and exploring their aspirations? Youth engagement is crucial to bringing about more relevant, equitable and inclusive education. Every year, the focal point of International Youth Day shifts to a different theme to bring a variety of issues impacting young people to the forefront of international policymaking.

International Youth Day 2019: Theme – Transforming Education

This year’s International Youth Day has given us the best context, we could ask for. The theme for this year’s International Youth Day is “Transforming Education” through which the efforts of governments, young people and youth-led and youth-focused organizations will be monitored. For us, to move in the direction of sustainable development, we should make sure that no child and no community is left behind. And to reach the desired goal of sustainable development, the efforts of everyone will be needed.

Understanding youth aspirations for education and careers

To create awareness about the theme, we approached some of the youth to discover their views on aspirations and career choices. We also share our team members’ views on the context. We’re encouraged by the inclusion of the phrase: “Education should lead to relevant and effective learning outcomes”. It recognizes that inclusive, accessible and quality education can transform lives and societies by realizing the potential of its youth.

Education is not just an achievement in itself but an accelerator which helps us in achieving other goals such as, poverty eradication, good health, gender equality, decent work and growth, and in reducing inequalities.

While we all know the importance of education in one’s life, are we aware of the transformations that are badly needed in our education system? Skill training and skill development need to be part of our current curriculum, and student’s aspirations must be given the utmost importance. Education should be flexible enough and inclusive that it allows the youth to follow their dreams.

While connecting with the youth we found it astonishing the way today’s youth are presenting their visions and goals with clarity. They actually want to do more than just get degrees. They want to be skilled. It is satisfying to see that today’s youth have a clear vision for their future, and they are so confident about their career paths that they are going to choose. Half of the work in transforming education has already been done as the mindset of our youth is moving in the same lines. The rest will definitely change gradually and our education system will be improvised. Our efforts will make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youth, including efforts by youth themselves.

We wish all youth a very Happy International Youth Day.