By Adetayo Adetokun
I remember when I was around 10 years old, sitting at the back of my classroom, listening to my classmates talk about their dreams. Some wanted to be doctors, others astronauts or engineers. I listened quietly, unsure if I could even picture myself in those roles. But as I thought about it, there was a quiet voice inside me that asked, “Can someone like me really make a difference? Can my voice really change the world?” It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in myself; I just hadn’t seen enough of people like me doing the things I saw on TV or in books. I felt like I wasn’t part of the conversation. But over time, I realized something that changed everything: I didn’t need permission to make a difference. I was already part of that change, just by being who I was.
Looking back, I now know that my doubts and questions were a part of growing up—a part of figuring out how my story would fit into the bigger story of the world. Growing up as a Black child in a society that often seems to overlook or underestimate you can be tough. The headlines, the stories, and the challenges we face as a community can make us wonder if we have the power to create change. But I learned from the people who came before me that our voices, no matter how young, have the power to shift the world. People like Aminata, a courageous young girl from Sierra Leone, who fought for maternal health in her community, or Bright, a boy from Ghana, who created a consumer health advocacy campaign for his people… these people who were once children too have changed the course of their communities’ histories. Their actions showed me that even though the world may seem unfair, your voice can be the spark that ignites change.
Today, I realize that we all have the power to be part of that change. The world is full of young people like us, willing to raise their voices and stand up for what they believe in. Our generation has already proven that we are not afraid to speak out against injustice, challenge outdated systems, and work together to make our communities and the world better. I am inspired every day by the young activists I see around me—the ones speaking out about climate change, racial injustice, and the importance of education for all. They are showing us that our voices matter, and we don’t have to wait until we are older or more powerful to make a difference.
It is easy to think that being the change means you have to do something big or dramatic. We often hear about the grand gestures—marches, speeches, and protests—and while those are important, the everyday moments also matter. Real change starts in the small, often unnoticed moments. It starts when you speak up for someone being bullied, when you stand up for yourself or your community, or when you use your talents to lift up others. Change isn’t just about being loud; it is about being consistent, being kind, and being bold enough to say, “I matter, and my voice matters.”
I remember one day at school, I saw a classmate struggling with their homework. They didn’t understand the lesson, and no one seemed to notice. Without thinking much, I stepped in and explained it in a way that made sense to them. It wasn’t a huge act, but it changed that moment for my classmate. I realized then that we don’t always need to make big speeches or headlines to create change. Sometimes, it is just about offering a helping hand or showing empathy when someone needs it. Those small moments are just as powerful in creating the world we want to see.
Our voices are not just for us. They are for our communities, for those who feel like they don’t have a platform, and for the generations to come. Every time you speak out, you are building the future. Every time you help someone, you’re making the world a better place. And the best part is that we all have the ability to start today, right now. Whether it is helping your friend, sharing your story, or standing up for something that is important to you, these small actions add up to big change.
You might be wondering, “What can I really do to change the world? I’m just a kid.” But the truth is, kids have always been at the forefront of change. The people who fought for civil rights, for better education, for equality—they were young people just like you, with a dream and the courage to pursue it. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or the perfect age. Your voice is powerful right now, and the world is listening.
You are the change. Your dreams, your courage, your actions—they shape the future. The challenges you face today are just stepping stones toward a better tomorrow. The world needs you now. You are part of a long legacy of change-makers, and your story will be the one that future generations look back on to say, “They made the world a better place.” So don’t hold back. Speak your truth, chase your dreams, and know that the future is listening to you. You have everything you need to make a difference—because you, right now, are the change.
