Page 99 - Lybia Flipbook

Previous page: Urban spaces, such as this Tripoli skatepark, are slowly opening up to girls.
On the right: Adult literacy classes like this one are quite rare, as adult female literacy rates
is about 86 percent, compared to the male rate of 97 percent.
Without a job, she explained, returning to her family in the village, where employment opportunities were even rarer than in the city, was the only option. The village did not offer much, and most of Sarah’s girlfriends, including fellow university graduates, were bored and had taken up handicrafts to have at least something to sell at an annual bazaar they organized. Not even marriage was an option because most young men in the village were equally unemployed and lacked the money to buy the needed apartment. Sarah just hoped that a job as a teacher might open up, as that was the only way forward.
Like Sarah, many young people hope to work for the government. However, with three-quarters of the workforce already employed in the public sector, finding this type of job has become much harder. While many young people are interested in new technology and entrepreneurship, getting financing for start-up operations is almost impossible. In the meantime, the marginal private sector is unable to absorb the growing young workforce. Additionally, few young people are interested in trade or manual jobs, leaving a vacuum often filled by migrants. Faced with limited options, some male youth enlist with the police or the military. Joining militias, especially those with favorable local reputations, has also become increasingly viewed as a viable alternative for young men, providing new recruits with a sense of agency and influence.
النشأة في أوقات عصيبة
With more years in school and difficulty finding a job, young Libyans are following the global trend of living with their parents longer and getting married later. Late mar- riages, in turn, often result in fewer children and smaller families. Although governmental “marriage grants” are intended to encourage people to marry younger, this trend is likely to continue.
Despite what may appear to be a sober reality, most young Libyans want to contribute to the country’s future and long for the chance to do so. The signs of their energy and
potential are all around. From entrepreneurs trying new ideas and taking risks, to community activists, artists, and filmmakers, the current and future Libya is being drawn by the force of youth. The country’s future depends on it.
الصفحة السابقة: الساحات الحضرية، مثل منتزه التزلج على اللوح في طرابلس، تفتح أبوابها ببطء أمام الفتيات.
أعلاه: فصل محو الأمية في إحدى مدارس محافظة الواحات شمال شرق البلاد. ويبلغ معدل الإلمام بالقراءة والكتابة لدى الإناث البالغات نحو 86% مقارنة بنحو 97% للذكور.
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