Rights and responsibilities are opposite sides of the same coin. Why focus on one side all the time?
I am amazed by how fast as humans we are inclined to claim benefits, privileges and advantages that accrue as a result of them but on the contrary quiet adamant to even acknowledge the responsibility that comes with them. For a while I have been keen on Microsoft as a company and with this I had to watch the short series, Inside Bill’s Brain. Well, how else do you understand something if not from the brain of the founder? In an episode, Melinda Gates talks about Mary Gates’ advice to them on the fact that with much privilege comes even greater responsibilities and how this contributed to their work in the Foundation. This was profound to me because as a society we strive so much to get more working for us but not for others.
Today I was privileged to share with a group of students and youth on “Youth Engagement for COVID-19″ that was hosted by the Kenya Healthcare Students’ Summit (KEHSS). For me this was a reflection point considering the work we have been able to do, the advantages I have enjoyed as a result of being in the right circles early. As a student I was keen on professional development which gave me access to professionals in practice and out of curiosity I sought people out, learned and was mentored to where I am. Looking back at this point, I notice the impact of such guidance and support in my development thus when I made my presentation, I was categorical of the privilege I had being around the right people. This was the basis for my establishing our Operational Research Taskforce at Ryculture where I saw it as an opportunity to share with others what exists out of our comfort zones. Without testing the limits of our imagination we might never know how far we can go. And without exposure, you might never know your ability to imagine the world at the palm of your hand. This is my vocation, to offer a platform to as many people as I can while I am on this world to enable them thrive.
On the flip side, I am torn down by the very fact that we are so fast to seek out our rights but never do much to get to it. As we looked at the work young people have done in the wake of COVID-19, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that we have the power in us to do something. When we leverage on our ingenuity, influence in our communities and channel this to address challenges in our societies we’ll be far much ahead. I am amazed by a friend who in efforts to address “teenage pregnancies” in her community she sources for donations of menstrual hygiene products and underwear’s from the comfort of her Whatsapp Status. This not only talks of the ills in the society but provides a remedy to those ladies in the village who may not have access to these essential and basic resources.
As young people we have the chance to be better, to create better and transform our societies. It starts with seeking knowledge, being intentional about our personal development and for every win, let’s pay it forward. A reflection on the series “Power”, Ghost doesn’t have the best of life but in all he does he is keen on granting others a chance at life (recruiting Dre into club business to grant him a different experience through life) . That’s as much as we can go if we want to. Let’s give it a try.
Without testing the limits of our imagination we might never know how far we can go. And without exposure, you might never know your ability to imagine the world at the palm of your hand.