CUSHION YOUTH FROM BRUTALITY OF LIFE

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

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