By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara (The Wise Thinker)
We are living in a generation where many young people are crying internally while smiling externally. Society often judges youths based on what is seen on the surface, without understanding the painful realities hidden behind their silence. Many are called lazy simply because their struggles are invisible. Yet behind closed doors, countless youths are fighting daily battles with poverty, rejection, unemployment, emotional stress, family pressure, depression, and hopelessness.
The world has become increasingly difficult for young people trying to survive honestly. A graduate without employment is mocked as a failure. A talented youth without financial support is ignored. A young entrepreneur struggling to start a business is discouraged by limited opportunities and lack of capital. Many wake up every morning with dreams in their hearts but return home every night disappointed by rejection and hardship.
In many African societies today, especially in struggling economies, youths carry burdens far beyond their age. Some are expected to provide for entire families despite having no stable income. Others are battling the pain of seeing their parents sacrifice endlessly without being able to help them financially. The emotional pressure to succeed quickly has silently destroyed the confidence of many promising young people.
One of the greatest mistakes society makes is comparing journeys. Social media has worsened this challenge by creating unrealistic standards of success. Young people constantly see others displaying wealth, achievements, and luxurious lifestyles online, while they themselves are struggling to afford daily meals or transportation. This unhealthy comparison has caused many youths to feel worthless, forgotten, and left behind in life.
What society often calls “laziness” is sometimes emotional exhaustion. Many youths are tired mentally, emotionally, and financially. Some have applied for jobs countless times without success. Others have sacrificed years pursuing education only to face unemployment after graduation. Many have ideas, skills, and talents but lack the connections or support needed to grow. Their silence should not be mistaken for weakness; it is often the result of repeated disappointment.
The issue of unemployment continues to remain one of the biggest threats facing young people today. When opportunities are limited, frustration increases. A nation cannot expect peace and development while ignoring the struggles of its youthful population. Youths are not liabilities; they are assets for national growth. When empowered properly, they become innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs, and agents of transformation.
Beyond economic hardship, many youths are also fighting emotional and psychological battles. Depression, anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt are becoming increasingly common among young people. Unfortunately, many suffer in silence because society rarely takes youth mental health seriously. Some are afraid to speak because they fear being mocked or misunderstood. Others continue smiling publicly while privately breaking down emotionally.
Parents and guardians also have an important responsibility in supporting young people. Constant insults, comparisons, and excessive pressure can damage the confidence of a struggling youth. Encouragement can achieve what criticism cannot. Sometimes a simple statement like “I believe in you” can restore strength in a young person who feels hopeless about life.
Communities, institutions, and governments must also do more to create meaningful opportunities for young people. Investment in quality education, vocational training, technology, entrepreneurship, sports, agriculture, and youth empowerment programs is necessary for national development. A country that invests in its youths is investing in its future stability and progress.
At the same time, young people themselves must refuse to surrender to hopelessness. Life may not move at the speed they desire, but every delay does not mean denial. Many successful individuals once experienced rejection, poverty, and hardship before finding their breakthrough. The road to success is rarely easy, but persistence, patience, discipline, prayer, and self-belief remain powerful weapons against despair.
Young people must also learn to support one another instead of competing destructively. A generation that encourages collaboration, unity, and empowerment will rise stronger than a generation filled with jealousy and hatred. Sometimes the breakthrough of one youth can open doors for many others.
As human beings, we must become more compassionate in the way we treat struggling youths. Before mocking someone for not succeeding, remember that you may not understand the battles they fight every day. Some are carrying responsibilities heavier than their strength. Some are surviving trauma nobody knows about. Others are simply trying to stay alive while searching for one opportunity to change their story.
Hope remains one of the most powerful gifts anyone can offer a struggling young person. When hope is restored, strength returns. When encouragement is given, confidence grows. When opportunities are created, dreams become possible again.
The suffering of today’s youths deserves understanding, support, love, and genuine concern. They do not need endless condemnation; they need guidance, empowerment, and opportunities. The future of every nation depends heavily on how it treats its younger generation.
A society that abandons its youths is gradually destroying its own tomorrow. But a society that listens to its youths, empowers them, and believes in their potential is building a future filled with peace, innovation, progress, and national transformation.
Many youths are not lazy. Many are simply fighting silent battles that the world refuses to see.
Speaking hope into the struggles of humanity and inspiring a generation to rise above hardship.