AS a youth leader in various spaces, I always believed that it is best to raise awareness and ask questions when necessary. In fact, it is the very essence of that belief that led me to create this column section. From time to time, I often reflect on what my next column topic should be. As I reflected recently on my journey as a columnist and the important work I’ve done through this section, I thought it was time to highlight why youth work, such as Youth Perspective, is useful, timely, and meaningful to national discourse.

I often see young people being celebrated and acknowledged for their commitment, energy, and thoughts. However, I rarely see us being praised for our critical thinking, questions, and debates. This is not an isolated phenomenon to only Guyana’s shores. Unfortunately, many young people are marginalised across the world simply for having a voice and an opinion. You are told not to challenge existing systems because it can be disrespectful.

I often listen to the undertones and sarcasm that are thrown into discussions young people are a part of. There is often a question asked, and I often hear it informally, but I am sure it surfaces internally when young people take a stance on issues that challenge the status quo – “Who do you think you are?” Young people are often told they have an identity crisis, they are inexperienced, and the basis of our arguments has no merit due to our age or life experiences. What merit do these claims have? Are we not also citizens, with human rights just like everyone else?

I see the contrasting treatment we give to different youth leaders. I see the youth leaders that “play it safe” and are awarded and recognised for their work. In the same spaces, I also see youth leaders who advocate and challenge systems with the same passion (or even more) being sidelined.

Let’s use the school system as a general example: a student representative might want teachers and administrative staff to consider how mental health issues affect students and their academic studies. They might suggest that students receive more mental health support and intervention if needed. In some instances where mental health and youth voices are simultaneously marginalised, the outcome of such advocacy might lead to, “We didn’t have that growing up, so why should you?”

Or, let us consider the young professional who is now joining the workforce and notices that certain “office cultures” within the workplace are unethical and not in line with best practices. He/she might be told they have no right to enter the space to demand reform. Even though they might be correct in their stance, their youthfulness can be used against them.

These practices, and many more, are deliberately carried out to frustrate, annoy, and insult young people. It can be detrimental to the growth and participation of young people in leadership roles. Trust in institutions is eroding among young people. It suppresses young people’s voices and interests and ultimately demotivates them. Unfortunately, I have been on the other side of being sidelined for my advocacy, and as such, I speak from experience. It is a responsible practice to encourage young leaders to share their voices. We collectively need to understand that social politeness does not automatically equate to strong leadership. Our voices are not just for thanking the system—they are for improving it.