Dear Editor,
As the world celebrated twenty-nine years of the International Day of World Peace not so long ago, it gives me a unique opportunity to appeal to my fellow youths to further commit ourselves to world peace.
In every society our elders bombard us about our lifestyles, way of living and attitudes. Some of them think that we are an unruly generation that will not get far in life, and as future leaders we would be doing more harm than good to the younger ones. In fact, too often society does not recognize the efforts of young people but rather emphasizes our flaws in the extreme. Of course, we are not a perfect set of people, but yet again we are not that bad. Recently, the world celebrated the International Day of Youths and as such, I decided to encourage my colleagues to pick up the mantle for peace-building despite the negativity that we are facing each day.
Nine out of every ten young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are bearing the brunt of the economic crisis. And of course we did little or nothing to cause this crisis. Today, crime is reaching alarming proportions all over the world. Not only has the crime scourge destroyed our principles and values, but it has also taken with it our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers – and the list goes on. Today, nuclear threats are looming, making a world without war sound like total Utopia. With all of this, peace seems to be an elusive dream.
It’s time that we young people responded.We can be the change we want to see in the world. Let us build a world of peace and tolerance for all of us. Let us inspire, motivate, and promote leadership and personal development. Let every action of our lives touch chords that will vibrate in eternity.
It is time we lived our lives with a positive attitude, motivation and courage. As we aspire to be more successful in life, our attitudes towards ourselves and others will play a huge role. As positive young people, we will learn to handle life’s challenges differently, and use these opportunities to grow. Everyone wants a better life and a brighter future, so we should constantly work on our self improvement. With this, we will be able to develop more self confidence, better self esteem and greater internal motivation to be the best.
Let us be the building blocks of world peace and mutual understanding. Jobs, opportunities, social cohesion and stability should be at the forefront of our minds rather than war and violence. We the youths of Guyana, should be the shining stars and agents for peaceful change throughout the length and breadth of our beautiful country. Let us not look to someone as a role model but rather be a role model to someone. Let us be a heart for the heartless, a hope for the hopeless and a voice for the voiceless.
Let us run the race that is set before us with integrity, wisdom and understanding. Let us respect each other and ourselves the most. Let us be the Obama, an Oprah and even a Mother Theresa if not for the world, at least in our home, school, community and most of all, Guyana. Youths can move the world only if we start trying.
Yours faithfully,
Lottia Williamson
National United Nations Volunteer
