Cambodian Youth Essay

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Cambodian Youth Introduction Cambodia is exceedingly a youthful nation. Two out of every three people are below the age of 25; giving Cambodia one of the most youthful populations in Southeast Asia (UNICEF, 2009). The question this essay will be exploring is, taking account of this statistic, what are the struggles and opportunities for modern Cambodian youth? This is an important topic because youth are a big part of the society, especially in Cambodia, and they help to shape the future. Youth, although not the wisest generation, bring in new concepts and new ways of thinking and without youth’s initiative and enthusiasm Cambodia would not be what it is today. This study will be primarily focused on Cambodia. Background It is the combination …show more content…

If youth are not employed they are unable to support their family and those with families who are very poor end up living in slums like in Figure 3.Crime rate is also intimately linked with the unemployment rate. As unemployment levels increase more youth are forced onto the streets and into partaking in illegal activities to survive. Many others are led to substance or alcohol abuse. This is shown by the statistic from UNICEF, 2009 that over 80% of drug users are under the age of 26. Another social issue impacting youth is the extent they are involved in development processes and decision making. Due to the hierarchal nature of Cambodia’s society, which demands respect for elders and authorities, youth rarely have possibilities to articulate their views. This has also caused an absence of youth needs and perspectives in government policies and programmes. Youth have the ability to be the engine of Cambodia’s growth for the country with their new perspectives, new ideas and willingness to build a better future, but this can only happen if they are given the opportunity to express their …show more content…

Youth are being forced to migrate due to dwindling land resources and poor employment opportunities. This takes them away from their family and community and also exposes them to many risks like sexual reproduction health risks, drug and alcohol abuse and criminals, including those involved in human trafficking. Women are at particular risk from the threats like STI’s and unwanted pregnancies as well as gender-based violence. Additionally, partially due to this, Cambodia has the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the region (Citeseerx, 2002). Also the most common jobs for migrating young people, especially men, are in construction and day labouring because many have little to no skills and limited education. Labouring jobs pose further risks on youths from poor conditions like long hours, night work, heavy work and hot

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