Young have huge potential

The youth of Bahrain is often underestimated and associated with the erroneous image of slacking and lacklustre; sitting on pavements, wearing too much black.

What people don't usually see is the huge potential simmering under the surface. There is a huge treasure of talent waiting to be unlocked but no one seems to have the right key.

But this summer, someone took the initiative, something happened. The Youth City happened. The General Organisation for Youth and Sport (GOYS) has graciously stepped in to harness the skills of Bahraini youngsters by setting up 'Youth City' which 'aims to provide training and educational programmes to more than 900 young people in various fields during the summer'.

What a brilliant idea to build up the technical and creative skills of teenagers, enabling them to adapt and fight it out in 'the real world' when the time comes. This 'City' now opens portals, providing all kinds of courses - photography, animation, web design, astronomy, art, language and, even fitness. Talk about your complete package.

It has also succeeded in opening people's eyes to new areas of knowledge, illuminating previously under-represented arts and encouraging the youth to actively pursue them.

Photography, one of the 'City's' most popular choices has already reaped rewards for several participants who are learning all about life behind the lens. This is quite an achievement considering that just a few years ago, photography in Bahrain was nearly non-existent.

That is quite a grand leap for Bahrain as our little country is soaring, developing at warp speed, standing its ground in the arena of bigger, richer countries.

The key to moving forward and ensuring a secure future is to mould the leaders of tomorrow today. This belief has long been ingrained in Bahrain's propitious Vision 2030. And this is exactly what Youth City is pushing towards by honing our skills, personalities and talents.

We haven't been officially sent an emblazoned plaque yet, commemorating our prestigious positions - 'future leaders of the world', but we are aware, having been informed by an unnamed source, in little more than a whisper, that we, the 'youth', are indeed the world's next dominators, sorry, 'leaders'.

We have the skills, the fresh, new perspective and the zest for learning - we assure you that the world will be in good hands.

We only ask that you prepare us for the challenge before we get to wear our gilded crowns.