Welcome to our series of columns under the title “The Gender Corner,” published every other week in collaboration with the Anguillian Newspaper. We are focusing on specific gender issues facing our island today. Through this publication we hope to provide thought-provoking and stimulating discussion that will translate into practical ways of effecting positive change. This week, we discuss the importance of opportunities for youth to be productively employed and creatively engaged through entrepreneurship.
I am sure that each of us will agree that work is our livelihood. Whether we work one or two good paying job, two or three decent paying jobs, or even participate in volunteer or community endeavours that do not offer financial compensation, it is this daily work that fulfills and sustains us. Paid work provides some support for the basic necessities of food, shelter and clothing, and may even allow us a few dollars to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
However, for many young persons age 18-35, they do not know the feeling of gainful and consistent work because of the prevalence of youth unemployment. According to a survey by the Anguilla Department of Labour and the Careers & Guidance Unit, the number of unemployed persons under age 35 is over 100 individuals. Globally, young people are 3 times more likely to be unemployed than other workers and they make up 40% of all the world’s unemployed (Source: The Prince’s Youth Business International programme).
When we learn about these statistics, it is now not so puzzling to absorb the fact that youth unemployment is threatening the social stability of many countries. Many unemployed young people turn to illegal means of earning income. This may account for the increase of drug-related crimes, violence in the households and communities, and gang affiliation as a source of social and financial support.
What can we do to promote the industrious nature of young people? How can we combat instances of crime and idleness because of a lack of work? Where can youth find constructive outlets or programmes to assist them in making a meaningful living? One method of promoting industry and creativity is through youth entrepreneurship.
Anguilla has just broken new ground, embarking on implementing a national initiative to ensure that Anguillian Youth are equipped, empowered and energized to fulfill their entrepreneurial endeavours. The “GET SET” programme is spearheaded by the Department of Youth and Culture and utilizes best practices in youth entrepreneurial development. The initial collaboration with Dominican youth entrepreneurial leaders, Mr. John Roach and Mr. Brendan Defoe, has already prepared entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial trainers and business mentors for comprehensive leadership.
From a gender perspective, both male and female young entrepreneurs are venturing into untraditionally male/female business domains and are setting their sights on international and global markets for businesses based out of Anguilla. These entrepreneurs have a driving passion for ingenuity and innovation; seeking to provide goods and services to improve the economic, social or cultural environment.
Preparing youth for entrepreneurship introduces them to the ideas of internal drive, self-confidence, self-realization and social responsibility. It also prepares them to navigate external factors of a business by using critical thinking, strategic analysis and having an overall heightened awareness of their environment. These are the skills necessary for entrepreneurs, but these are the same abilities needed for successful personal growth, for community development and for national sustainability.
Youth entrepreneurs are developing the Anguillian community and are impacting the sustainability of the nation. Young entrepreneurs are keen to look both internally and externally toward asset development, they supply job opportunities to others, build networks and relationships throughout a number of institutions, and even find creative ways to secure investment capital and strategically handle funds. Each of these elements has the opportunity to improve the short term and long term growth of the nation; one entrepreneurial venture at a time.
Start to build an atmosphere of entrepreneurial development among the youth that you know, from an early age. Promote it within your household by allowing youth to explore their immediate environment and ask questions. Take moments to have young people create their games instead of constantly being fed ready-made technology games. Do not limit the imagination of a child; he or she should learn critical thinking early and be able to “think outside of a box.” Encourage passion and commitment to an expressed talent or interest.
For more information and resources about youth entrepreneurship, contact Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator, Ministry of Home Affairs, The Valley, at Ronya.Foy-Connor@gov.ai or feel free to call at 497-2518.
