Is our ultimate goal in preparing youth merely to integrate them into the job market? Or is our role deeper than that, to open wider horizons for them, enabling them to become proactive leaders who transform their communities? Today, numerous training programs focus on technical skills, but they often view the young person as a future employee, not a potential change-maker. Herein lies the fundamental difference: vocational training is the starting point, while change is the journey.
The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency: “Why Do I Need Training?”
We encounter many who believe they are above training. Perhaps because they possess prior experience, or out of a fear of change. The truth is, empowerment is not necessarily an admission of deficiency, but rather the courage to continue growing. The difference between one who knows and one who applies, between one who repeats routine performance and one who constantly develops himself, is the difference between an ordinary individual and a proactive leader.
The First Step
Vocational training equips youth with the skills that qualify them for a job; it is an essential element for reducing unemployment and improving productivity. Yet, alone, it is insufficient for creating impact. Imagine two young people with the same skills: one is content with performing tasks, while the other asks himself: How can I add value to my community? The first is a good employee, but the second is a leader in the making.
From Skill to Mission
Empowerment doesn’t just teach you what to do, but why you do it, and how to make a difference. It cultivates social intelligence, audacity, and a sense of responsibility towards others. This is why many young people lose their passion after employment, because they were trained on the ‘how’ of performance, but not on the ‘why‘ of purpose. Meanwhile, there are inspiring stories of youth who started with the simplest professions but transformed into influential figures when they honed their societal awareness.
How Do We Create Pathways for Change?
At Hannan, we believe that genuine training happens in a living environment that integrates skill with situations, values, and leadership. This can be achieved through training camps that create spaces for hands-on learning and challenge; through volunteer experiences that connect youth to their community’s issues; or through cooperative programs that foster a spirit of initiative and teamwork. It also happens in dialogue circles that develop critical thinking and the ability to express oneself. Through these, formative real-world moments shape the consciousness of youth, and from them, they discover their mission.
Employment is the starting point, but change is the deeper journey. We need more than youth who integrate into the system; we need those who reshape it. Within each of our young people lies a latent energy, waiting for someone to ignite it, not with orders or instructions, but with mentorship, support, and belief.
The question we must ask today is: Do we want to prepare good employees, or proactive leaders who shape tomorrow?
