What I Learned from Rural Youth During My Doctoral Research

Youth Month always reminds me of the young people I met during my doctoral research in the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. My study focused on an appraisal of employment-oriented social enterprises in addressing youth unemployment. While conducting the research, I listened to many stories of hope, resilience, frustration, and determination. Those conversations changed the way I think about youth empowerment.

One thing that became very clear to me is that young people are not lacking potential. They are not lacking ideas, dreams, or the willingness to work hard. What many of them are lacking is access to knowledge, skills, and resources.

Over time, through my interactions with young people, social enterprises, community stakeholders, and development practitioners in the OR Tambo District Municipality, I developed a perspective on youth empowerment. This perspective shows that there is a relationship between knowledge, skills, and resources, and that these three elements work together to influence youth growth and development. When these elements come together, they create the conditions for creativity. Creativity is not only about art or invention. It is about seeing possibilities where others see obstacles, finding new ways to solve problems, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist.

The first element of this perspective is knowledge. In many rural communities, opportunities often exist, but information about those opportunities does not always reach the young people who need it most. This is why I have come to believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment. When a young person knows what opportunities exist and understands how to access them, their world immediately becomes bigger.

However, knowledge alone is not enough. Young people also need skills, which is the second element. During my research, I met young people with brilliant ideas but limited opportunities to develop the practical skills needed to turn those ideas into reality. Skills such as communication, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving can make the difference between an idea that remains a dream and one that becomes a successful initiative.

The third element is resources. Even when young people have knowledge and skills, they often face barriers such as lack of funding, limited access to technology, and weak support networks. These challenges are particularly visible in rural areas. It is difficult to build something when you do not have the tools to start.

Too often, young people are told to take charge of their future or to occupy spaces. While these messages are important, they are not enough on their own. We cannot expect young people to thrive without providing the support that enables them to succeed. Empowerment must be more than encouragement; it must be accompanied by access to knowledge, opportunities to develop skills, and resources that allow young people to act on their ideas.

As we celebrate Youth Month, I believe we must move beyond talking about the potential of young people and focus on creating environments where that potential can flourish. When we invest in knowledge, skills, and resources, we do more than support individual young people; we strengthen families, communities, and the future of our country.

The youth of OR Tambo taught me that talent exists everywhere. Opportunity does not. Our responsibility is to close that gap.

Enkosi.