YOUTH ECONOMIC DEPENDENCE TO INDEPENDENCE

INTRODUCTION

Young Cameroonians have always wondered and cried for jobs or starting up a small business within/out the nation, but the question still remains in their minds: “what has the government done for us”. This is just one part of the debate, but the most important side of it should be a chorus by the end of this paper.

The most pressing problem in our economy lies in the youth breaking their self-established barriers. This paper shall practically relate the situation and the way forward.

Firstly, do you know your key skills and talents?

Secondly, who / what are you and where do you see yourself in the nearest future?

There could be many more mind searching questions, but these will be elaborated below.

IDENTIFYING YOUR KEY SKILLS/TALENT

Cameroonians and most African youths are faced with the problem of job seeking or establishing a successful business because they fail to identify their divine and innate abilities.

Each and every individual’s success lies in the ability to identify the reason for and purpose of their existence. It also entails divine intervention. However, some people have been able to reach in and exploit them and are extremely successful. What more of you? While identifying your innate ability, take note of the following:

-          Improve on your management and Communication ability;

-          Establish a daily, weekly planning schedule;

-          Market yourself, your ideas and your ability more efficiently and effectively;

-          Trust in God.

Upon establishing these basic guidelines, then comes the light of where you want to be in the next three (3) to six (6) months.

ESTABLISH YOUR VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

- How many times have you read about great men in the world?

- What in your opinion was the solution to apartheid in South Africa?

- Why not, the February 2008 civil strike on food prices in Cameroon?

The problem of whether finding a good job or establishing a small business in Cameroon and Africa at large is the failure to understand where we are coming from and where we want to be the next day. Projects fail because of no leaders. This sometimes leads one to pose this question: “are leaders born or made?” The idea is that you are a leader whether born or made, and leaders establish vision for their lives and companies.

A vision is a long term perspective of your ideas. Let’s take a practical example: imagine being the Marketing Director of MTC Cameroon or establishing a national merchandise company by 2020. It must be specific, attainable and time bound.

Your mission, then comes in to establish the “how” and “possible end result”. Following the example above; “…to provide myself with development opportunities (education, professional trainings, networking, know the company) that will empower (communication ability, establish the network) me to create a living change (marketing manager or establishing a business by 2020).

What then are your objectives? These are the daily, weekly, and monthly measureable steps you establish towards attaining your mission above. E.g.

-          Obtaining a good degree in JMC, Marketing/Communication in 3 / 4years

-          Participate in 3 Professional trainings in the related field or for business purpose within the year 2011.

-          Attend the MTC Cameroon Annual General Assembly in March 2011.

-          Know the competitors of MTC and their strong points which you can propose to MTC.

Also, note that company is interested in what other ability you have and what innovations you are bringing in. It goes same in establishing your business. It is the value added services that makes your business different.

LIVING OUT OF THE BOX (Out of Your Comfort Zone)

Living out of your comfort zone can be done in very simple steps:

-          Identify your age mates / classmates at a national level and see where you stand;

-          Do you know where you want to be in the next 3 – 6months?

-          Must you have a “god-father” to establish your mark?

-          How do you choose your friends and establish a role model for your life.

These are some mind searching questions that will follow you for the rest of your life.

Nevertheless, the job or business sector in Cameroon is liberal for the smart and tough for the lazy. What do you know about establishing a business in Cameroon?

Explore your interests and abilities, strategically plan your career goals, whether as an employee or employer, create your future work success by designing your learning and action plans to help you achieve your vision and always remember:

“You are the Master of Your Faith and the Captain of Your Life” and only then, will God see You through”.