Times Of Swaziland: CUSHION YOUTH FROM BRUTALITY OF LIFE

CUSHION YOUTH FROM BRUTALITY OF LIFE
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Editor on 03/12/2024 14:05:00


Sir,
In this rigorous journey called life, fraught with turbulence and engine
failures, it is impossible to escape the imminent danger of crashing.
For many young people, the abruptness of life’s challenges can feel
incomprehensible, igniting an unquenchable thirst for support. As humans, we
grapple with physical discrepancies, emotional vulnerabilities and mental
liabilities. This reality intensifies our innate need for survival; we need a
parachute to cushion the landing of our inevitable crashes. As a young girl
navigating her way through a world teeming with dangers, I often find myself
surrounded by a cacophony of violence: intense domestic disputes, crimes of
passion and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of life.
Value
This reality is harrowing; your own family may inflict harm upon you, and you
may feel unsafe even in the presence of a partner. In such an environment, the
value of one’s life is often diminished and one cannot help but witness the
brutish nature of humanity unfold before their eyes. It becomes glaringly clear
that one can crash at any moment.  This struggle is not unique to me; all young
people require support to break free from the shackles of fear. I stand here not
merely as a victim of circumstance but as a testament to resilience. I rise
above the social constructs laid upon me as an Liswati girl. I refuse to be
silenced or confined to a predetermined role. Instead, I embrace the power of
education and strive to express myself as fully as I can. In a country where
harsh realities loom large, my parachute is my quest for physical security and
empowerment.
Attacked
Mental health and emotional stability are often under siege, attacked by
relentless external shocks. As a 16-year-old striving for success while
attempting to balance the complexities of human relationships, I find myself
beset by an overwhelming tide of negative energy.  Self-doubt and heartbreak
often creep in, threatening to stifle my ability to engage meaningfully with
society. In this dance of social interaction, where the stakes are high, my
presence is not merely incidental; I possess the potential to impact the lives
of those around me. Thus, I find myself in dire need of emotional security—a
parachute that I hope to receive from you, my community.
The words of J K Rowling resonate profoundly: “It is our choices, far more
than our abilities, that show what we truly are.” We, the young, the dreamers,
the hopeful are making choices every day to rise above our circumstances.
However, we cannot do it alone. We need the support of those around us to help
us navigate this tumultuous journey. We need mentors, role models and allies who
can lend us their strength when we feel weak.
Opportunities
We need safe spaces where we can express our worries and fears without fear of
judgment. As we chart our paths, we must remember that we deserve the parachute.
We deserve life, full of opportunities and devoid of the brutalities that often
accompany our youth. More importantly, every young person out there deserves our
collective support as they pursue their dreams. Let us come together as a
community, to cushion our youth from life’s harsh realities, ensuring that
they can soar to unimaginable heights. As the saying goes, “A smooth sea never
made a skilled sailor.” It is through our struggles that we learn and grow,
but with your support, we can ensure that these struggles do not become
insurmountable.
N C