Much has been said about the vital role of the youth in recovery in the Covid-19 pandemic.
That it has disrupted nearly all aspects of life for all groups of society is an understatement, because for the youth, the metamorphosis brought about by the pandemic in education, employment, mental health and disposable income has been extraordinarily demanding and frustrating.
What is certain though, is that the youth and future generations will shoulder much of the long-term economic and social consequences. That aside, in recent months, youths are among the ones who are most active in responding to the pandemic by developing coping strategies to help their communities remain safe.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation cites several examples on its website of youths making a difference during these hard times.
A woman from the United Kingdom is creating posters and baking cupcakes for healthcare workers, all of whom are also involved in the distribution of essential items in their communities.
A teenager from the United States created "Teens Helping Seniors" to deliver groceries to the elderly, and he is also working with Arts-n-Stem4Hearts to distribute personal protective equipment to healthcare workers. And in China, a youth is highlighting medical facts to eliminate misunderstanding about Covid-19 and prejudice against those infected by the virus.
While some Malaysian youths have been vocal in demanding change and going out of their way to help those in need — by distributing food baskets and volunteering in the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme — others have been accused of spreading fake news and lacking respect for quarantine and standard operating procedures.
Four days ago, in Penang, police arrested 16 youths for participating in a wild party at a rented bungalow. Early last month, a group of revellers, among them youths, had their party cut short when police busted the do at a luxury residence in Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. Then again, such incidents should be seen as a symptom of the times.
Youth empowerment during this pandemic is very much needed. They have the vision, hope and idealism. It is in their DNA to be vocal, rebellious even.
Malaysian youth can and should do more. They should put their best foot forward and emulate counterparts in other countries. The mantra that the youth of today will be tomorrow's leaders is often heard.
Making that a reality is a process. There should be more initiatives in youth engagement. Bearing in mind that International Youth Day is on Aug 12, we should empower the youth with initiatives that will give them hope for the future.
After all, it was the youth of the 50s who drove Malaysians towards independence. And in the decades after, it was also the youth who continued to help the nation progress in good and bad times. We must continue to believe that the youth of today want what is best for Malaysia.
Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian social reformer, says of them: "The power of youth is the common wealth of the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, present and future.
No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm and courage of young people."