Esanju Maseka, a graduate in the field of economics, has a strong passion for development oriented work and is more focused on youth development. She has served as a volunteer youth worker since 2011, filling a variety of roles as different opportunities were presented to her.

Ms. Maseka has worked with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award-Zambia, a non-formal education program focused on the self development of young people. Furthermore, she has been involved in social media advocacy with Ignite The Youth Africa and her most recent engagement involves serving as the Projects and Events Coordinator for the Commonwealth Youth Human Rights and Democracy Network. She adds, “What drives me is the desire to see other young people given a platform to reach their potential considering that the wealth of experiences I have had, are as a result of other people who believed in me.”

How do you motivae the youths living in developing world for the better future?

When you look at the developing world, motivating young people can often prove to be a challenge, depending on the particular context of young people you are dealing with. There are young people who have been displaced from their homes due to war, there are other young people who have access to limited amenities due to the rural nature of where they stay and then there are young people who have no reason to strive for anything because their parents provide them with everything. This provides an example of the different situations that can be found. I believe, at the end of the day, motivating young people is about helping them to see the bigger picture. Helping them see that their actions or inactions don’t only affect them, but the wider community around them and eventually their nations and the world at large.