Retaining talented young Nepalis

Naxal, Kathmandu, Nepal

YS2ZTM

2010-02-11T05:16:37Z

2009-12-12T13:24:10Z

Contrary to popular belief Nepal does have a very valuable resource - it's people.  We have a very young population - <a href="http://www.prb.org/Articles/2002/PopulationGrowthContinuestoHinderNepalsEconomicProgress.aspx">42% of the population are under the age of 15</a>.  It's a age distribution that most developed countries would absolutely kill for.  A large young population means a more nimble and capable workforce and at the same time a small older population means less resources have to be spent on taking care of the elderly. But for all the talk of patriotism, we're actually pretty obsessed with leaving Nepal - I've had countless people ask me for advice from hair dressers to students to massage therapists to dentists.  As a result of this determination a large percentage of young talented Nepalis go abroad - both for education and work.  Many never return.  And this really is a shame because these young people can and should be the driving force behind Nepal's economic growth through new companies, ideas, and sheer young energy and optimism. Having lived in Kathmandu for a year, I've reflected on why this is the case and how this trend can be reversed.   Elder worship This is a very much accepted and consistent theme throughout Nepali families.  We bow to elders, and we use a different speech with and about them to imply deep respect.  Basically, the old are wise that we young should respect and learn from.  Unfortunately, our older population is neither very well educated nor experienced about the world.  Very few have traveled, either through lack of funds or understanding of the world around them.  And we're expected to learn from them.  It's like the blind leading the blind. Lets respect our elders, but not take worldly advice from them.  Lets help them be comfortable in their old age but not take relationship, work, and health advice from them.  Young Nepalis need to feel empowered and confident if they are to change the country and a good way to start is to be treated as equals by older people. I was recently in Hong Kong and a good college friend of mine who's a high level government official there told me point blank "you should move to Hong Kong - we would love to have more young professionals".  From a policy perspective she understands what a great difference young professionals make to a country's economy.  Notice she didn't say "your parents should move to Hong Kong - we would love to have more old people to respect".  And young people can feel it.  You can feel it when you're in dynamic places like Hong Kong or San Francisco.  You feel needed and wanted.  You feel like you're valued and can make a difference.  And you feel drawn to those places. Nepotism    It is embarassing and demoralizing to see less qualified people get jobs you want because they have family and other connections.  What's the incentive to stay in Nepal and work hard if there is no relationship between hard work, talent and financial reward?  Nepotism is a sure way to make sure young talented Nepalis leave the country and have only the less capable or lazy ones with family connections stay behind. Fun things to do and night life  Young people need fun things to do to be happy.  It's just the way it is.  We have more energy, more hormones kicking, and more appetite for new and fun things to do. There's a reason that google offices have fun games and crazy interior design and food by celebrity chefs.  It keeps things exciting.  It makes us want to hang around.  It makes us happy.  Currently the most exciting thing happening in Nepal is the opening of KFC and Pizza Hut.  When I read the events section in the local newspapers I sometimes get a gag reflex with the absolute lack of fun things to do in Kathmandu.   Friendly business environment We don't need things handed on a silver platter, but it's currently so tough to start a business that only the most brave and adventurous go for it.  Or if your family has the right connections.  If you think that the bureaucracy in Nepal is not too bad you don't know how easy places like the US or Hong Kong make it for people to register a business.  Ours is a country where getting an office phone number is like pulling teeth.  But really, by making it difficult to start a business, Nepal is only hurting itself.  It stifles innovation and it discourages young graduates from starting a business.   The benefits from all of this of course is that it will create jobs and a smarter segment population will remain in the country.  And successful startup founders can become mentors for the next batch creating a healthy cycle and startup culture.   Nepal, you're our country and we love you and want to be there for you.  But it sometimes feels like you're an abusive spouse who doesn't value what we have to offer and spits in our face when we try to do the right thing.  You need to change a few things or risk having all your young supporters leave you forever - more attractive places in the world beckon for our talent. 362 27.7159015881 85.3267335892

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Retaining talented young Nepalis

2010-02-11T05:16:37Z