Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future
South Africa holds immense potential for economic growth and development. A lot of this responsibility falls to the youth of the nation yet, due to their exclusion from economic emancipation, they are limited to opportunities for growth and development. In order to better this, there needs to be an acceleration of youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future for South Africa.
Youth economic emancipation refers to empowering young people with the necessary skills, opportunities, and resources to participate in and contribute to the country’s economy. It can be achieved by encouraging young people to achieve economic independence, self-sufficiency, and prosperity.
A country needs to recognise that young people are not just consumers, but are active participants in driving growth and contributing to sustainable economic development. This is why “accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future” is the 2023 Youth Day theme for South Africa. By introducing this theme, the South African government hopes to show the ability and power that young people have. TooMuchWifi is hoping to contribute to this theme by providing affordable internet connectivity to the youth. Young people need internet access in order to create change within their communities.
Key aspects of youth economic emancipation include:
1. Employment Opportunities
Ensuring that young people have access to decent and meaningful employment opportunities is crucial for their economic emancipation. It can be achieved through job creation, entrepreneurship support, internships, apprenticeships, and skills development programs that equip individuals with the skills demanded by the job market.
TooMuchWifi is bridging the gap between accessibility and the youth unemployment rate. By providing connectivity, TooMuchWifi exposes young people to job opportunities, as well as opportunities for skills development. An internet connection makes all of this easier and faster.
2. Education and Skills Development
Quality education and relevant skills training are essential for youth economic emancipation. Access to education that provides a strong foundation in academic subjects, as well as skills to prepare the youth for the workforce and empowers them to pursue their career aspirations.
Accessibility challenges have a negative impact on education and isolates youth from the opportunities the world has to offer. This lack of access puts young people at a disadvantage. With the use of TooMuchWifi, young people are able to empower and equip themselves.
3. Financial Inclusion
Stressing financial education among young people is vital for their economic emancipation. Access to affordable banking services, credit facilities, and financial education equips them with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances, save, invest, and plan for the future.
TooMuchWifi provides a safe network for young people to access their private banking, as well as research and educate themselves on how to be financially savvy.
4. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Entrepreneurship is an important contribution to economic development. Encouraging and supporting young entrepreneurs is a crucial aspect of youth economic emancipation. This can be done through the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, which will make receiving mentorship and business development support possible.
With a fast and reliable internet connection, young people can start their own businesses, create employment opportunities for themselves and others, and contribute to economic growth.
5. Social Protection
Establishing social protection mechanisms such as social security, healthcare, and affordable housing protects young people from poor financial decisions. By educating themselves, these aspects provide a safety net and enable them to pursue economic opportunities without the fear of making the wrong decisions.
By doing research, young people are able to reduce their economic insecurity and make financial risks.
6. Equal Opportunities
Ensuring equal opportunities for all young people, regardless of their socio-economic background, gender, ethnicity, or disability, is a fundamental aspect of youth economic emancipation.
Having access to the internet, opens young people to a world of opportunities. It enables them to have the same opportunities as everyone else, allowing them to utilise their full potential.
Youth economic emancipation is not only about individual economic well-being but also about creating sustainable and inclusive communities. By empowering young people with connectivity, they are able to tap into their potential, drive innovation, reduce poverty and inequality, and build a sustainable future.