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Late last month, President Barack Obama visited Nairobi as part of his historic trip to Africa. His family’s longstanding ties to Kenya brought cheers upon the 4,500 students, government officials, and civil society leaders who gathered at Safaricom Indoor Arena.
Part state address, part commencement speech, Obama’s 40-minute talk started with a personal reminiscence of his first trip to Kenya in 1998, when he was a young law student seeking to learn more about his roots. (Source) He also spoke of his father’s disappointment coming back to Kenya after receiving an education in the U.S. because of the “hard realities” that confronted his country.
Despite Kenya’s arduous journey from British rule to independence, the country’s progress over the years to combat isolation and lack of education should be recognized. President Obama highlights that “we study the past so it can guide us into the future, and inspire us to do better.” Especially for youth, there are lessons we can take away from the President’s speech:
“I believe there is no limit to what you can achieve…because of your potential, you can build your future right here, right now.”
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Kenya’s economic stability through regional trade and access to education are remarkable, but not broadly shared. Along with closing these gaps, Mr. Obama goes on to mention the high prices paid because of corruption, ethnic divisions, and terrorism. So in order to seize the moments that come with both Kenya’s peril and promise, the country must provide opportunities for all people, and build upon their national identity. Reflecting on his American presidency,
“In the United States, I always say that what makes America exceptional is not the fact that we’re perfect. It’s the fact that we struggle to improve; we’re self-critical. We work to live up to our highest values and ideals, knowing that we’re not always gonna achieve them perfectly, but we keep on trying.”
Much like President Obama encourages Americans to see their diversity as a strength, we must also choose this path in order to achieve democracy, regardless of the circumstance we apply it to. “Democracy means that somebody’s always complaining about something,” Obama jokes. “If you make one person happy, somebody else is unhappy. Then sometimes, somebody who you made happy, later on, they’re not happy.”
In order to change habits and culture that hinder a nation, everyone must work together. Law-breakers must be punished, NGOs need to operate, and ordinary people have to stand up for what is right. America’s partnership with Kenya helps with jobs, food security, health care, and the investment in youth. “So through our Young African Leaders Initiative, we are empowering and connecting young people. Connecting young people from across the continent who are filled with energy and optimism and idealism, and are gonna take Africa to new heights. These young people, they’re not weighed down by the old ways. They’re creating a new path, and these are the elements for success in this 21st century.”
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No country can achieve its full potential unless the talents of women and children are also recognized. Using the issue of the Confederate flag as to why traditions should not shape the future, the bad tradition of treating women and children as second-class citizens hold us back. “There is no excuse for sexual assault or domestic violence. There’s no reason that young girls should suffer genital mutilation. There’s no place in civilized society for the early or forced marriage of children. These traditions may date back centuries, they have no place in the 21st century.“
Obama states that if communities, in America, Kenya or otherwise, give their daughters the same opportunities as they do their sons, they are more peaceful and prosperous. Educating young girls is a stepping stone to them becoming moms with educated children.
Last but not least, the President speaks of the importance of equality that must be placed on minorities. Terrorists prey on the fact that our diversity can tear us apart, so we must stand united.
“When we start making distinctions solely based on status, and not what people do, then we’re taking the wrong path, and we inevitably suffer in the end.”
When we learn to accept each other for who and what we are, that is when we can root out corruption, strengthen our democracy, extend opportunities, educate youth, and embrace reconciliation. We, as youth, are “poised to play a bigger role in this world.” To take on leadership roles, we bring light and hope to those who suffer inequality. We can realize our dreams and there will be no limits.
Best wishes,
Kandace 🙂