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How do we pass on community values to the youth?
How can we instill in the next generation a sense of responsibility for the community? A thought-provoking question arose during a discussion that I facilitated with Rwandan young adults residing in the United Kingdom and ranging in age from 18 to 22.
Various Rwandans and their families came together for a Rwanda Youth Conference over the weekend to connect over shared community values.
Our culture is built on the ideals we share as a community. They change how we deal with problems and talk to each other. For a community to stay healthy and grow, these principles must be passed on to the next generation.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging for young people to do that these days because there are so many things that interest them and stress them out. How can we effectively impart community values to our Youth?
First, we must lead by example.
Even when we don’t realize it, our children watch and learn from us. The actions we model, whether good or negative, leave an everlasting mark.
In our daily moves, do we demonstrate respect, compassion, honesty, diligence, and civic responsibility? Or are we instilling even more terrible values? The ideals we practice are more important than the values we preach.
