English A SBA
Topic: Unemployment
Sub-topic: Solutions to Unemployment
Student: Arizain K St Paul
School: St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School
School number: 140002
Registration number: 1400021160
Table of Contents
Topic__________________________________________1
Acknowledgements______________________________2
Rationale______________________________________3
Reflection______________________________________4
Group Report __________________________________7
The Group’s Three Best Pieces_____________________9
Oral Presentation Plan___________________________12
Oral Presentation _______________________________13
Bibliography __________________________________ _15
Appendix_______ _______________________________16
Topic: Unemployment
Subtopic: Solutions to Unemployment
1
Acknowledgements
This SBA would not have been completed without the help of all of the
group members; Arizain St Paul, Kayla Smith, Kymani Francis, Pavana
Dalsou and Nichole Ernest. Special thanks also to Mrs Greaves, who helped
us pick our topic and guided us on our journey.
2
Rationale
Unemployment is a big problem all over the world, especially in the Caribbean.
This problem is faced by many young people. I chose this topic to help myself as I
am soon to enter into the work force, and also to help solve other social ills which
root from unemployment. I hope to find solutions that I could implement myself if
I am found in this situation. Also, I hope to be able to empathize with persons
facing this great problem.
I plan on acquiring this information through articles, poems and videos on the
topic.
Group Members:
Arizain St Paul
Pavana Dalsou
Nichole Ernest
Kymani Francis
Kayla Smith
3
Reflection
The three pieces chosen to reflect upon were a YouTube video by
ITakeResponsibility, a poem by Chipepo Lwele and an article for a local newspaper
by John Peters. All three pieces highlighted solutions to unemployment.
1. The People’s Manifesto – Tackling Unemployment by John Peters
The article found on, http://thevoiceslu.com/2016/01/the-peoples-
manifesto-tackling-unemployment/, was retrieved on May 2nd 2017 and
was published on January 23rd 2016.
2. Graduation Ceremony by Chipepo Lwele
The poem found on,
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/best/31600/chipepo_lwele,
was retrieved on February 18th 2017 and was published in 2012.
3. Solutions to Unemployment by ITakeResponsibility
The poem found on, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjzL-vf5WQ8,
was retrieved on February 23rd 2017 and was published on June 9th 2012.
4
Reflection
The poem Graduation Ceremony, helped me realize that although the school
system does a good job of educating its people, it fails at molding them into great
citizens. It shows that after being educated for many years, students may still be
unable to interact with others efficiently or even have an understanding of
morality and a sense of integrity. This poses a problem for the majority of the
graduates, if there are limited jobs available, as employers favor well rounded
workers. Similarly, the video entitled, Solutions to Unemployment, highlights the
main causes to unemployment as the education system and lack of jobs. Many of
the graduating students lack the leadership and initiative skills to start a business.
The article, written by John Peters, posed some possible solutions to
unemployment. The writer highlighted two sectors that made up the bulk of St
Lucia’s economy; tourism and agriculture. According to the article, these sectors
could be heavily exploited by the youth to create jobs and generate revenue.
However, although tourism plays a great role in the economy, its role in providing
employment is miniscule. Agriculture is proposed as a solution, however, the
writer noted that this sector is not as developed, nor as supported as it should be
for the island.
The use of short sentences and pauses in the video, Solutions to Unemployment,
is prevalent and helps with the effective communication of the speaker’s views on
the topic. It allows one to ponder on the information being released and builds
the listener’s suspense, leading from one point to the next. The statistical data
presented in the video also helps his argument. The poem, Graduation Ceremony,
gives insight to many solutions to unemployment, in the form of rhetorical
questions. Each question asked highlights qualities of good leaders and
businessmen, who inevitably pave the way to entrepreneurship. The use of
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rhetorical questions also allows the reader a chance to subconsciously answer
these questions and ponder on them. In the article, the writer posed a strong
argument about growing and improving current industries, to attract young
unemployed workers. This was paired alongside statistical data.
The three pieces helped me realize that education alone does not ensure one of a
job. Education paired with a good holistic development, gives one a great
advantage in the work world. I now know from the poem and video,
characteristics one should adopt to ensure employment. The article posed
practical solutions that the government could uptake to fight unemployment.
Through the SBA, I have learnt communication is key in group work, and have
learnt to take on the leadership role where necessary.
6
Group Report
For our SBA the group decided to focus on unemployment. The group consisted
of five individuals, namely, Kayla Smith, Pavana Dalsou, Nichole Ernest, Kymani
Francis and Arizain St Paul. Unemployment is an issue that affects mainly the
youth of developing countries, and it is a rising problem in our country. As a
developing country, we founding fit to research on different aspects of
unemployment. We helped each in picking our subtopics, with each of us
suggesting possible areas of study. Kayla did 'Effects of unemployment in society',
Pavana did 'Effects of unemployment on young men', Nichole did 'Causes of
unemployment', 'Kymani did 'Effects of unemployment on family' and Arizain did
'Solutions to Unemployment'.
Our first step in achieving this goal was to hold regular group meetings at
lunchtime during school. As a group, we debated numerous topics, and sought
the counsel of our teacher. It was very difficult to find topics that we were all
interested in doing. We all agreed that there were limited types of creative pieces
on our topics. When we met again towards the end of the SBA, we agreed that
the topic had been informative. While researching we individually sympathized
with these unemployed persons, as we realized how difficult life must be for
them. It also helped build our teamwork skills, as we had to help each find
information. In different ways, we all led the group, so that each member would
host a meeting or instruct the group on what to be done.
The journey to finding information on all of our topics was a bit challenging.
There were many articles on the Internet, but they all proposed mainly the same
ideas. There were few creative pieces on the topic also. We did source other
creative works at first, than those we finally wrote about, like comic strips.
However, in the end we mainly used poems, articles, songs and videos which best
portrayed the message on unemployment.
7
Over the weeks leading up to the presentation, our group members worked hard
to find 3 possible and efficient pieces to bring out their subtopic on
Unemployment. To lessen the load with this particular obstacle, if any one of us
found information concerning another person’s topic, we would convey it to them
via email or in person. We critiqued each other’s pieces, and gave insight on how
to enhance and memorize their work. The group presentations included a spoken
word by Kayla, Nichole and Pavana, a skit performed by Kymani and a poem by
Arizain. There was much nervousness amongst some of the group members but
we all performed well when it was our time. Overall the presentations were a
success. We achieved our goal of relaying the different aspects of Unemployment
and did so in a captivating way. It was a pleasure to be a part of this group.
8
The Group’s Three Best Pieces
Unemployed by Christina Smith
The poem, Unemployed by Christina Smith, was chosen as it was seen as the
best representation of unemployment. In the poem, the poet makes mention of a
normal day for her. According to the poet, her day is filled with searching for job
offers and acceptances. The poet seems to desperately want an employer to hire
her. She also seems to be in despair and makes mention of this in lines 33-34.
Persons who are unemployed may have a hard time finding work as there are
limited jobs available, which could cause them to lose hope for their situation.
The word ‘unemployed’ is repeated multiple times during the poem to show
how unemployment can consume a person’s life. An unemployed person may
have a lot of free time, which can lead to their thoughts and mind taking over
them. This is seen in lines 7-12, where the writer equates being employed to
one’s self worth.
9
Graduation Ceremony by Chipepo Lwele
In today’s world, unemployment is not only limited to the uneducated. The
poem speaks of this problem from a perspective of the educated youth now ready
to work. It is in the point of view of one wondering if education systems are not
themselves at fault for the high unemployment problem. It was insight into the
fact that many of the unemployed are in that situation because they wait to be
formally employed not using their skills learnt in school, to uptake the risk of self-
employment. This mind-set is a result of the way students are taught. There is no
focus on how they can use their learning from books to make and sustain their
future on their own.
The rhetorical questions asked causes one to ponder on the factuality of the
message the writer is trying to bring across, while readers try to answer them
reflecting on their own schooling experience.
In reading the piece, we have been taught a valuable lesson. After finishing
school, waiting for formal employment is not the only way to build a future, we
can use what we learnt in school to start contributing to society and gain income
on our own through self-employment. Education is truly a means of escaping
unemployment.
10
Living with Unemployment by The Oppressed
Within this generation, our social environment has looked down upon the
unemployed and are quick to attach to them the description of lazy, uneducated
and useless. Race is also a huge factor affecting acceptance within this generation
and the trials and tribulations faced by a black individual is portrayed clearly
within this song. The evidence strengthening this negative situation is seen in
stanza two. There it is said that the lack of job opportunities is as a result of the
‘blacks’.
The writer makes use of repetition to bring about the saddening and worthless
feeling. The individual also speaks about getting shot as there is nothing to do but
stay in bed all day. There are also signs of mixed emotions and it is shown in
stanza six. Signs of anger, sadness and loneliness is not only present in stanza six
but all throughout the song to better the listener’s chances to capture the writer’s
perspective.
11
Oral Presentation Plan
For my oral presentation, I chose to do a poem. I thought that a poem would best
represent the points posed, as the poem could comprise many moods, as seen in
unemployment. Feelings of sadness, desperation and disparity were portrayed. In
doing this presentation, I hope to shed light on the situation facing our nation, to
earn a new perspective of persons faced by this problem and to reduce the
chances of myself being afflicted with this problem.
Sources used to collect information were an article, a poem and a video.
12
Oral Presentation
Unemployment is a rising problem in my country
Affecting young and old alike.
It affects the youth, youth who had dreams of serving their country after years of
study,
Now disappointed because no posts are available.
They turn to crime, hurting our nation and economy.
It is the root of other social ills, alcoholism, drug use and others.
Because it must depressing after you've been filled with information of great
credit,
To be unable to use it.
It's a sad topic, but it's one that light must be shed upon,
To find plausible solutions to the situation,
And help persons like me rebuild the nation.
So I went and researched online.
I found a poem, a poignant one,
Asking questions that I couldn't dare muster an answer to.
Because although schools advance the intellect of a person,
What about all the other qualities you need to be successful?
To be someone of worth in the workplace?
In the world?
13
I read some more.
There were articles and videos,
Posing strong arguments and statistics on the school's and government's role in
this matter.
That a child should be so well developed to start a brand,
Build their name, make a difference, leave their mark on the world,
In entrepreneurship.
Where small people with big dreams mean business,
Because their leadership skills have been quickened,
By a strong system who fully develops,
And doesn't take shortcuts
That is the downfall of many.
They lack a sense of integrity, morality and reliability,
And instead adopt a sense of dependency.
This is where the school should come in,
To emancipate them from their slavery,
Like an old school proverb has declared.
No one but us can change our mind.
So together, let us strive,
For better days, better tomorrows for our later years.
14
Bibliography
1. Drexel Now, http://drexel.edu/now/archive/2014/July/Unemployment-
Study/, July 24th 2014
2. Poetry Soup,
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/best/31600/chipepo_lwele,
2012
3. Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjzL-vf5WQ8, June 9th 2012
4. The Voice, http://thevoiceslu.com/2016/01/the-peoples-manifesto-
tackling-unemployment/, January 23rd 2016
5. Hello Poetry, https://hellopoetry.com/poem/382467/unemployed/, May
2013
6. Genius, https://genius.com/The-oppressed-living-with-unemployment-
lyrics
15
Appendix
1. Graduation Ceremony by Chipepo Lwele
I imagine attending a colorful graduation ceremony at the college or
university.
After attending my mind is stuck with a lot of queries:
Would graduates cultivate in themselves attributes of entrepreneurs, to
think outside the box?
Were graduates tipped to be innovative, self-motivated, willing to take
greater risks in their fields?
Would graduates go into industry to add value in the economy sector, after
being equipped with suitable skills?
Could the skills they have acquired be able to sustain them and support
their families with or without formal employment?
Would graduates narrow the skills gap that has existed in the industry?
Did lecturers expose graduates to both technical and entrepreneurship
skills during their training?
Would graduates be entrepreneurs who will constantly create and grow
business ventures, thereby creating employment and incomes in the
economy?
Could graduates embrace the intelligence of the labor force, and start
running viable growth-oriented ventures as a career alternative?
Could they survey key industries, organizations, family and friends already
in business ventures?
Would they start up their own business ventures, provided they have
access to support and other requisites?
Could graduates blend various fields with entrepreneurship sustainability to
overcome unemployment levels?
Could graduates separate what's important from what's irrelevant to make
achievement in life?
Could they be confident, pro-active, decisive and energetic in their
endeavors?
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Would they be hardworking, firmly decided, continue in spite of opposition
or difficulty, and have the ability to see clearly?
2. The People’s Manifesto – Tackling Unemployment by John Peters
http://thevoiceslu.com/2016/01/the-peoples-manifesto-tackling-
unemployment/
3. Solutions to Unemployment by ITakeResponsibility
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjzL-vf5WQ8
4. Unemployed by Christina Smith
Sitting here, alone at home
wondering what I am going to do with my life...
unemployed...
watching cartoons to pass the time
free my mind of the stresses
but they never go away
unemployed
hoping for that call
that email, even a text message
that says I am good enough, I am worthy
to not be
unemployed
searching the internet
all day long
hoping someone will hear this song
unemployed
bored, boredom, boring
unemployed
nothing to talk about
because nothing happens
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unemployed
maybe I will change myself
change my heart, change my mind
I am so sick of being
unemployed
but maybe
maybe instead of indeed.com
I will try okcupid.com
maybe someone
some special lady out there
will not want to leave me so
unemployed
but who knows because I keep chasing the same dead ends
unemployed
5. Living with Unemployment by The Oppressed
I was living in a new town
I had problems with my girlfriend
So I moved on up to London town
Where they say it was all happening, going down.
Living in a bedsit
Bunking on the tube train
Sleeping all day long
'Cause you've got no work
You've got no life
You sit at home
And watch television
Living with unemployment
18
I... I ain't got a job
And... there's no work in the city
They... they always try to blame it on the blacks
When it's really those in power who stab you in the back
Living in a bedsit
Bunking on the tube train
Sleeping all day long
'Cause you've got no work
You've got no life
You sit at home
And watch television
Living with unemployment
Round our way
We ain't got a lot
Another five years on the dole
I know I'll be left to rot
But now I'll join the army
Believe it or not
I'm going to a foreign land
I'm gonna get shot
Living in a bedsit
Bunking on the tube train
Sleeping all day long
'Cause you've got no work
You've got no life
You sit at home
And watch television
Living with unemployment
19
Oh it gets so lonely
Living with unemployment
It gets so frustrating
Living with unemployment
Oh it gets so lonely
Living with unemployment
It gets so frustrating
And it's lonely for them
Lonely for me
Lonely for all of us
Can't you see
That it's lonely for them
Lonely for me
Lonely for all of us
Can't you see
When you're not at work
They treat you like dirt
When you're out of work
They treat you like dirt
When you're not at work
They treat you like dirt
When you're out of work
They treat you like dirt
Treat you treat you treat you like dirt
Treat you treat you treat you like dirt
Treat you treat you treat you like dirt
When you're not at work
Living with unemployment
Oh it gets so lonely
Living with unemployment
20
It gets so frustrating
Living with unemployment
Oh it gets so lonely
Living with unemployment
It gets so frustrating
Living with unemployment
Living with unemployment
Living with unemployment
Living with unemployment
21
