The Cost of Neglecting Investment in Youth Skills

Today’s youth are keenly aware of the challenges our world faces, and many are anxious about the impact today’s decisions will have on the world they inherit. This isn’t the first time up-and-coming generations have doubted the wisdom of their elders, and it won’t be the last. But despite this being a perennial challenge, it is not the kind of problem that should be ignored.

And yet, in many ways, that’s what’s happening.

When the pandemic hit, the 4-H movement in Canada thought our biggest challenge would be shifting in-person programming to online offerings so that we could continue delivering world-class youth development programming to our members. Many of them face distinct barriers, such as a lack of access to programming and fewer opportunities to engage in emerging sectors due to the remoteness of their homes.

Maintaining financial support for youth programming in the post-pandemic era has turned out to be an even bigger challenge. Canada must overcome this challenge if it hopes future generations of leaders will be equipped to maintain—or improve—Canada’s place in the world.

Youth, who represent 20% of the Canadian population, need opportunities to develop skills. Youth development programs, like 4-H, give young people opportunities to develop important skills such as self-direction, accountability, responsibility, leadership, and collaboration. These are skills that workplaces need, but they are also skills that individuals carry with them into their communities. These skills help to make our communities, our country, and the world around us stronger and more resilient.

According to 2022 polling by Leger, 4-H alumni have greater confidence in their transferable skills than members of the general public. Additionally, 88% of 4-H alumni reported pursuing post-secondary education, compared to the national average of 75%, and 44% of 4-H alumni say they are currently working in agriculture.

Why does this last statistic matter? It matters because, in a world searching for stability, the outputs from agriculture are crucial to supporting a peaceful and predictable world—a world where people are not compelled to protest because their bellies are empty and where there are professionals focused on solving the food supply problems faced by the developing world as well as by many in our own communities.

Yet, today’s world is beset by instability. Governments, industry, not-for-profits, and individual households are all grappling with the aftereffects of a global disruption and its impact on financial stability.

Governments have fewer dollars to share, and there are more applicants making requests. Industry finds itself in much the same position, needing to reassure stakeholders that the bottom line is sound and that spending is focused on solving immediate problems.

Funds are scarce, and needs are high.

This is all the more reason to remain committed to helping youth develop their skills. The world faces a multitude of problems that will not be solved in the coming months, years, or perhaps even the coming decades.

Unless we invest in a long-term strategy to address the challenges that undermine our stability, we will most certainly face ever greater challenges.

Long after today’s leaders have called it a day, today’s youth will still be hard at work addressing the challenges of their day and those leftover from ours, hopefully with an eye toward building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.

How well they will meet that challenge will be determined by the support they receive today.

This is why investing in youth development is important – because the cost of not making these investments is too high.

Here’s how everyone can do their part:

• Governments must increase their commitment to funding proven youth development programs for youth, making sure to include rural youth. Let your MP, MLA, and city councillors know this matters to you
• Encourage businesses to support youth development by investing in not-for-profits that are preparing tomorrow’s leaders
• Get involved – donate dollars and offer up your time. Both are valuable to organizations working in this space

Read this op-ed at thefutureeconomy.ca