Being young can be exciting. It can also be overwhelming.
Young people are navigating school, relationships, social expectations, career decisions and an increasingly connected world; all, while trying to understand who they are and who they want to become.
And they should not have to navigate all of this alone.
Young people deserve to be heard
A young person's wellbeing is shaped by the environments around them.
They need spaces where they can speak openly without fear of being dismissed. They need adults who listen, people who encourage them and relationships where they feel valued and respected.
Most importantly, they need to know that asking for help does not make them weak.
Confidence grows when young people feel supported
Behind many confident young people is someone who believed in them.
It may be a parent who encouraged them after a disappointment. A teacher who noticed their potential. A mentor who helped them see possibilities. A friend who stayed when things became difficult.
These seemingly small acts of support can leave a lasting mark.
When young people have supportive relationships, they are better able to navigate challenges, cope with setbacks and develop a healthy sense of self. Support does not mean removing every difficulty from their path. It means helping them know that they do not have to face those difficulties alone.
More than a celebration
International Youth Day is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to pause and ask ourselves:
‘What are we doing to help young people feel supported, confident and hopeful about their future?’
Homes, schools, workplaces and communities all have a role to play in making our young people feel safe, respected and supported.
At Pluvia, we want every young person to know:
Your voice matters.
Your dreams matter.
Your wellbeing matters.
Because when young minds thrive, communities flourish.
A reflection for adults
If you are a parent, teacher, mentor, employer, caregiver or friend, think of one young person you can encourage this week.
Send the message. Start the conversation. Make the call.
Sometimes, helping a young mind thrive begins with simply saying:
"I believe in you."
Abishag Kohl
Committed to empowering minds, fostering hope, and building resilience in Ghana through community outreach, education, and compassionate mental health advocacy.
