Citation

Diongue A. Pop Sahel 1994; (21): 12-13.

Vernacular Title

Jeunes d'une fin de siecle. La hantise de l'emploi, les affres de la rue.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Centre d'études et de Recherche sur la Population pour le Développement de l'Institut du Sahel)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12288683

Abstract

The age boundaries of youth are often unclear. Not everyone defines these boundaries in the same manner, especially since it is a question of knowing at what age youth begins and ends. Demographers consider this population to be younger or older than 15 years. Many researchers consider youth to be aged between 12 and 30 years. The UN Convention on the Rights of Children and the African Charter of the Rights and Welfare of Children define youth as beginning where childhood ends, at age 18. When France wanted to consult its youth about their future, it chose the age range of 15-25 years. Everyone considers youth the majority of the population in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan countries. Youth represent up to 50% of the entire population. Everyone equally agrees to recognize that this majority is the most disadvantaged group in society. Their needs are great. The dangers that threaten them are many and serious. From drugs to wandering, from adolescent and illegitimate pregnancy to delinquency, from illiteracy to unemployment, youth have every opportunity to make a mistake before adulthood and to compromise their life. Youth live in crisis; they know only crisis, that is, economic crisis, social crisis, family crisis, crisis of values, and crisis of morals. Youth are distressed and in disarray. They are on the edge of despondency. What to do, then, at the dawning of a century which risks accentuating all forms of exclusion and marginalization? As a leading Sahelian said, the problem of youth is somewhat integrated with the problem of development. Youth constitute the future of all nations. Actual policies, be they national or international, have demonstrated their limits. It is necessary to change them. The 21st century cannot accept less. And the youth are worth it.

Language: fr