THE YOUTH AND THE MODERN: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Every generation has challenges that are specific to the youth and which look modern at the particular time and open up numerous opportunities. In each generation, some people are identified as “leaders” in one of two ways. First, there are those who stand out as “leaders” because they have natural attractions and emit authority despite themselves. Second, there are those who are created by people in authority in effort to groom and nurture potential leaders in particular areas. There are times when the effort to create leaders is successful in that hitherto unrecognized talent comes forth. It is also possible, however, to create disaster when the authorities impose the unfit on reluctant followers in the name of grooming leaders. The best scenario, for any place, is when those to be identified for nurturing are also natural. Once they mature, these can be very effective in delivering on expectations.

Key words: Youth, modernity, challenges, opportunities