A Youth Perspective in Nepal[1]
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Lack of a Shared Vision
While it is difficult to generalize as to the sentiments of youth as a whole in Nepal, the sense one gets from discussion with young people is that while they want to improve themselves and improve the country, they do not share a common vision for the future. There is no larger idea or set of goals towards which young people can strive and that could harness their capabilities and provide hope. This leads to the articulation of separate, rather than shared interests in many cases. Young Nepalis do not feel they receive enough support to make their own dreams realities (and indeed, often do not feel the mechanisms exist to create positive change); and also feel that politics has come to dominate decision-making processes about their own access and opportunities in a negative manner. As a result they feel they may become ‘a ‘lost generation”. During discussions, however, too often this leads to assigning of blame rather than consideration of root causes and solutions, and leads to the feeling that identities are mutually exclusive rather than complementary.
Absence of Necessary Support
Universities remain deeply politicized and (with a few exceptions) largely ineffective in providing relevant capacities to match opportunities. Small-scale efforts to help build skills or share ideas for young people are also insufficient (“like putting a teabag in a river”) and an emphasis on entrepreneurship and business is often absent. While there is a deep and impressive desire to learn in Nepal, the aim of learning is often to leave the country rather than improve conditions at home. Between 250-300,000 young people entered the employment market in Nepal last year, while only 25-30,000 jobs were available within the country, which is leading to widespread migration from the countryside to Kathmandu, and from Nepal more broadly to India, the Middle-East, Asia, North America and Europe. As a result, it is clear very quickly that rural Nepal is now largely an agrarian society of old people and children, which is rapidly changing social dynamics and rural working patterns. At the same time, despite increasing international exposure, young people sometimes seem to be somewhat unsure of Nepal’s place in the world, and how this might, or could change in the coming years.
Hope for a Better Future
Hope for a better future stems from the fact that Nepali youth are hugely energetic, altruistic, hard working, intelligent, and unanimously demonstrate a deep self-awareness and sense of collective responsibility. These are qualities that a future Nepal needs and can mobilize, if the right conditions are put in place. Young people are demanding a more inclusive, responsible and sustainable Nepali state with room for the growth of more accountable leaders from their own ranks. While large numbers of young people are still leaving the country, educated Nepalis are returning from abroad in greater numbers than previously, and this group is committed to building their lives in the country. At present, their desire for positive change within society is not anchored to a coherent agenda or framework, but could prove a dynamic force going forwards if they can build relationships across the country and find a collective direction. Nepal’s young people want to be citizens in a prosperous and dynamic country, not disenfranchised individuals within a divided one. The differences between the various segments of youth can be stark, but if these groups can overcome their differences and build on their shared future as Nepalis, the prospects for the country are very bright.
[1] Based on discussions with youth groups in Kathmandu and Dhadhing district in July 2011 and previous research and analysis on youth issues in Nepal which was Fasclitated by Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON) for Blair Glencorse State Effectiveness
via -AYON
via -AYON
Lack of a Shared Vision
While it is difficult to generalize as to the sentiments of youth as a whole in Nepal, the sense one gets from discussion with young people is that while they want to improve themselves and improve the country, they do not share a common vision for the future. There is no larger idea or set of goals towards which young people can strive and that could harness their capabilities and provide hope. This leads to the articulation of separate, rather than shared interests in many cases. Young Nepalis do not feel they receive enough support to make their own dreams realities (and indeed, often do not feel the mechanisms exist to create positive change); and also feel that politics has come to dominate decision-making processes about their own access and opportunities in a negative manner. As a result they feel they may become ‘a ‘lost generation”. During discussions, however, too often this leads to assigning of blame rather than consideration of root causes and solutions, and leads to the feeling that identities are mutually exclusive rather than complementary.
Absence of Necessary Support
Universities remain deeply politicized and (with a few exceptions) largely ineffective in providing relevant capacities to match opportunities. Small-scale efforts to help build skills or share ideas for young people are also insufficient (“like putting a teabag in a river”) and an emphasis on entrepreneurship and business is often absent. While there is a deep and impressive desire to learn in Nepal, the aim of learning is often to leave the country rather than improve conditions at home. Between 250-300,000 young people entered the employment market in Nepal last year, while only 25-30,000 jobs were available within the country, which is leading to widespread migration from the countryside to Kathmandu, and from Nepal more broadly to India, the Middle-East, Asia, North America and Europe. As a result, it is clear very quickly that rural Nepal is now largely an agrarian society of old people and children, which is rapidly changing social dynamics and rural working patterns. At the same time, despite increasing international exposure, young people sometimes seem to be somewhat unsure of Nepal’s place in the world, and how this might, or could change in the coming years.
Hope for a Better Future
Hope for a better future stems from the fact that Nepali youth are hugely energetic, altruistic, hard working, intelligent, and unanimously demonstrate a deep self-awareness and sense of collective responsibility. These are qualities that a future Nepal needs and can mobilize, if the right conditions are put in place. Young people are demanding a more inclusive, responsible and sustainable Nepali state with room for the growth of more accountable leaders from their own ranks. While large numbers of young people are still leaving the country, educated Nepalis are returning from abroad in greater numbers than previously, and this group is committed to building their lives in the country. At present, their desire for positive change within society is not anchored to a coherent agenda or framework, but could prove a dynamic force going forwards if they can build relationships across the country and find a collective direction. Nepal’s young people want to be citizens in a prosperous and dynamic country, not disenfranchised individuals within a divided one. The differences between the various segments of youth can be stark, but if these groups can overcome their differences and build on their shared future as Nepalis, the prospects for the country are very bright.
[1] Based on discussions with youth groups in Kathmandu and Dhadhing district in July 2011 and previous research and analysis on youth issues in Nepal which was Fasclitated by Association of Youth Organizations Nepal (AYON) for Blair Glencorse State Effectiveness
via -AYON
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