Creating social entrepreneurship:
 young minds at work

By Ishfaq Ahmed

The youth is and has always been the most important facet of the world’s population. There are 1.2 billion individuals in the world of less than 25 years of age. Out of these, a majority of them are living in the least developed countries. A high proportion of the youth living in the under developed nations belong to Asia and Africa. In Pakistan, the youth accounts for 37 million of its entire population. This means that 34 per cent of the total population lies between 15 to 24 years of age.  This young portion of our nation is not only its present, but also its future.

In most countries of the world, the unemployment rate among the youth is at an alarming figure. The consequences of youth unemployment such as social exclusion, drug abuse, criminal and social unrest, are extremely serious and damaging to the society as a whole. As per 2008 figures, total strength of labour force in Pakistan is 50.58 million and 7.4 per cent of the labour force is unemployed. In Pakistan, 26 per cent of the young are unemployed; hence this young force is not properly utilized. This young segment of the population has a great level of intellect. Such minds, if given a direction can do miracles for the society, but when they are not given enough attention and on top of that, also have to face redundancy, then this can pose a great threat to any society. 

These talented minds are vulnerable to any negative activity, as recent past has seen increasing ratios of street crimes; most of them being the outcome of rising unemployment among the young. Recent law and order situation in Pakistan is some what an outcome of this element as well. Increasing illiteracy level and dwindling employment rates have made these young bloods so much perturbed that they use their brains on detrimental activities such as shortcuts for making money by theft or kidnapping, rather than making money by hard work. If these young minds are given an opportunity to excel, they can be as useful as any other person can be. One of the ways is to make these individuals aware of “Young Social Entrepreneurship.” Social entrepreneurship is one of the most important types of entrepreneurship, as it is not related to profit making, but is to engage in such activities that may offer higher returns to the society as a whole.

In business, every risk taking is beneficial if it offers significant returns in the form of profits. However, in case of social entrepreneurship the purpose is not to make a profit but the overall improvement in society is the aim. Pakistan is suffering from a low economic growth rate and excessive problems are faced by the economy. These increasing obstacles can be solved with the full participation of our nation. When we take the problems collectively and try to solve them ourselves, without waiting for anyone to help or for any miracle to happen, we can prosper at a much better pace. In order to nurture the economy and overcome our communal problems, young social entrepreneurship is the answer as its main objective is to serve the society only. Young folks of any nation are much more enthusiastic, have a great fanaticism and have the audacity to take risks and bear the toughness of time and hard work. Young individuals can play an imperative role in the development of our economy, as well as to solve the problems which have been unsolved for decades. What we require is only a direction, a leadership to lead these individuals because they are always more willing to sacrifice, to exert and to devote themselves for betterment. — Note: Reference may be provided if required