In March 2020, life as we know it changed. Whether it was for the better or for the worst, the verdict is still out. Regardless of what one’s perspective is, one thing remains, 2020 shall go down as a year to remember with its global Covid-19 pandemic, global shutdowns against systemic racism, inequalities, human injustices and Gender Based Violence.
Ironically, the Africa Youth month theme highlighted the importance of youth participation and inclusion in leadership spheres: ‘Youth voices, actions, engagement: Building a Better Africa. Young people have highlighted that their voice and participation matters.
Here are my top five reasons why I urge every young person who has an opinion to enter the World Bank Blog4Dev Blogging contest.
1. We should all be social activists
Chimamande Ngozi Adichie famously penned, we should all be feminists, and I say, we should all be activists. 2020 has revealed that it is important that everyone plays a role in the space they are currently occupying. We are the change we want to see in the world.
Are you passionate about development? Did the racial, income inequalities exacerbated by COVID-19 awaken anything within you? Social activism is not just about marches but can also be on paper.
If it did, this is your cue to act, and it starts as simply as putting a pen to paper, and start lending your voice to the movement. To find out more about why we should all be activists, read my blog about the ideas herein.
2. It shall help you increase your radar and attract many opportunities
Ever heard of the law of attraction? The blogging competition opened many avenues and led to become involved in many other youths opportunities.
It also allowed me to hone on my leadership and coordination skills as I serve as the East and Southern Africa Youths Transforming Africa Network.
3. It shall increase your professional and social networks
Networks, networks, networks. Networking is the new social currency. The real treasure with the Blog4Dev competition is the Youth Transforming Africa network.
Through the network, I got a chance to liaise and interact with many other game changers in Africa who are doing remarkable things. It is a chance to attend high-level meeting and events within Africa, and network with those who hold power.
4. Is that Washington DC calling my name?
If you are a travel enthusiast, then trust me the contest prize is more than the reason to enter the competition. With most of us having been cocooned within our various countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, it shall be refreshing to step outside the country and experience the thrill of travelling again and what a better place to travel to than the capital of the USA?
5. Hone your writing and public speaking skills
Through the high-level meetings, Blog4Dev competition will expose you to public speaking events, and help you become a better speaker and writer. Moreover, it will also look good on your resume.
Check out some writing tips on the blog and YouTube promo below:
Connect with me on
Twitter: @AudaciousTseby
Instagram: audacioustseby
YouTube: AudaciousTseby
Podcast on Spotify, anchor, google podcasts: Living Audaciously with Tseby
‘Mantsebeng Maepe – Blogger, Podcaster, Social Activist, SDGs champion