Plan B Forum

19 Nov 2014 The Times (South Africa)
KATHARINE CHILD

Our youths are a time bomb Governments must educate and employ young people

THERE are more young people alive between the ages of 10 and 24 today than in history, which could lead to growing civil unrest or economic growth.

The UN Population Fund report, The Power of 18 Billion, released yesterday, notes that countries with high levels of young people have higher murder rates, more protest action and lower life expectancy than populations with a smaller percentage of young people.

It warns of the risks of unprecedented numbers of people needing education and work. But it has a positive spin. “Never before have there been so many young people. Never again is there likely to be such potential for economic and social progress.”

The report argues it is up to governments to ensure young people become a labour force rather than a source of conflict. The correlation of young people and civil conflict “is not proof of causality but it does suggest … societies must make greater effort to increase opportunities for education, jobs and political engagement”.

In South Africa, 27% (14.6 million) of the population is between the ages of 10 and 24

THERE are more young people alive between the ages of 10 and 24 today than in history