Youths working to end corruption.

 Here's another article below I entered in this contest, I lost again lol😏😏😏. The results were announced this week. It was about how youths can work with their governments and civil society organizations to end corruption in their countries. To learn more about corruption visit; https://www.transparency.org/en/what-is-corruption

Corruption is a terrible scourge that eats away governments and its people like cancer. Corruption has been existing since time immemorial but has in the 21^st century escalated to unprecedented levels that has left many negative impacts. For instance, corruption hinders economic growth, poses a threat to democracy and peace and causes social and environmental crises. It is much more necessary today for young people to collaborate with their governments and civil society organizations (CSOs) to speak up against corruption and its negative impacts. In my opinion, young people can do the following:

1.       We live in a digital era where the whole world is interconnected through digital technologies and information systems. News and information are shared in a matter of seconds. Young people are the foremost users of smartphones, computers and other tools and can easily engage with audiences and access information better than most age groups. Young people can harness the power of technology to engage with government representatives or government official handles on social media. These are great platforms to suggest ideas or voice out concerns that the government can urgently respond to. The more young people voice their concerns engaging such persons, the more the issue starts to trend prompting action from the government. Also, young people can become community journalists, take videos and pictures for the government and people to see. It is amazing how much corruption can be exposed using technology.

2.       Young people can volunteer with CSOs because, firstly, CSOs work closely with people in the community. They see first hand the negative impacts of corruption in the society. CSOs have the ability to document and share these impacts. Working with CSOs can help young people feel more empathetic to the harsh realities caused by corruption. Young people are usually living bubbled environments i.e. schools/universities and other settings unaware of what’s occurring around them. By aligning themselves with CSOs they can have their perceptions opened up prompting them to advocate for corruption to end. Secondly, CSOs provide a space where young people can learn and a platform where young people can speak out. This can encourage other youths to take up the initiative also. Lastly, CSOs are a good opportunity for young people to mobilize efforts directed at ending corruption. These efforts can be in form of social media campaigns, peaceful protests/parades, lobbying, workshops/symposiums amongst others.

3.       Young people can work with their governments by being united amongst themselves. Young people with a common interest in ending corruption should band together and concentrate their efforts. They can achieve desired change through sincerely writing to the government, inviting them to witness how corruption is affecting their societies. Another way is by organizing meetings with local government leaders and also through active participation in civic engagements/meetings that governments usually do in town halls or other places.

Young people are a great force that can inspire change anywhere. Corruption can be dealt with if young people understand that the future is theirs to live and shape.