August 12th won’t be a day circled in many calendars, but it’s an important day to us. International Youth Day is a global movement, taking the time to acknowledge potential and understand the perspective of the next generation.
This year, the UN and the Commonwealth have chosen the theme “Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”. The aim is a better future, and if we want a better future for our young people, we must invest in them now.
Empowerment is all about giving young people the tools, the voice and the opportunities to shape their own lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Sustainable development means building a future that works not just for today but for all future generations. We must all work to establish safe environments, strong economies and healthy environments.
It is not enough to “hope” that young people will fix the world’s problems. We have to equip them to do so, and more importantly, give them a voice to speak into situations that affect them.
Young People: Resilient, Resourceful and Ready – The common thread we see with most of our students is resilience. Despite being knocked back or being underestimated, these young people always want to try again.
According to the United Nations, there are 1.2 billion people aged 15 to 24 in the world today, 16% of the global population. Yet, young people are going underrepresented in leadership and decision-making spaces worldwide. The commonwealth reports that over 60% of the commonwealth population is under the age of 30, meaning that all these issues are not just a ‘young person’ issue, but a majority issue.
Young people are not only the future, but the present too.
Youth are at the heart of the world’s biggest challenges and opportunities, often speaking up the most on subjects like climate change and mental health. Young people refuse to sit on the sidelines; they are already volunteering, protesting and innovating in these areas. However, it’s hard to do it alone.
At Fresh Start in Education, we work with young people across the country who have often had a rocky journey through the education system. Many have been excluded, and others are navigating complex emotional and mental health challenges.
The common thread we see with most of our students is resilience. Despite being knocked back or being underestimated, these young people always want to try again. With the right support, they re-engage and start to believe again.
Empowerment does not mean fixing things for young people, but rather working with them. Understanding their needs and hearing them when they speak, recognising that everyone learns and grows differently.
Young people carry a lot; often, they just need someone to notice them. Primarily, they are looking for a sense of belonging, consistency and a place to be themselves.
Youth Empowerment starts with us. It starts with you.
Whilst “International Youth Day” might be led by global institutions, its impact is personal and local. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, or someone who interacts regularly with young people, what’s important is how we show up.
Here are a few practical ways to lean into this year’s theme:
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- Create space for their voice – let them lead discussions. Value their ideas even if they differ from yours.
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- Prioritise mental health – start conversations early and destigmatise struggles.
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- Support education access – Whether it’s through tutoring, mentoring or just encouragement, we need to help create pathways for the disengaged.
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- Celebrate growth, not just results!
International Youth Day is a reminder that investing in young people is one of the most meaningful things we can do. Every interaction we have has the potential to plant a seed. We celebrate the young people who keep going, keep growing and keep surprising us, and we celebrate the adults who walk alongside them, knowing the future doesn’t start tomorrow. It starts now.
If you would like to know more about Fresh Start and how we can make a difference for the young people you work with, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Whether you have questions or are simply curious about the services we offer, our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today and let’s start the conversation.
