Though many have learned that business is a degree obtained in an institution, and being in business is seeking after positions and success attributed to the established system, I now challenge us to color outside the lines and think beyond what has been traditionally taught.
If we are going to successfully reclaim the village, we will need to be about the business of creating jobs that support the needs of the inhabitants of our community. One area that we might consider is the educational system. What suggestions can be made with consideration to joblessness within our communities?
The reality is that not every child is slated for college, so we need feasible and equally substantial alternatives. What happened to trade and vocational schools, with classes such as carpentry, plumbing, shop, electrical, etc.?
What about construction work? Construction wages are quite competitive. This type of employment also provides for the opportunity to work within reasonable travel distance, often times, even within walking distance; hence eliminating the high cost for travel and cutting back on time away from the family.
While our government continues to pass bills and allocate funds to repair roads and bridges, shouldn't our young people be trained in these areas that will qualify them to compete for those types of jobs? Though they may not require a degree, they still provide a means for making a decent living. Should we really have to search outside of our local community for a carpenter, plumber or electrician?
Although the ideal would be for schools to train in a trade, what about the craftsmen and women who currently work in these areas? Is there opportunity to teach and train up the next generation? Are we willing to make the investment?
Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old, he shall not depart from it, requires something from each of us.
Tune in again next week for more thought provoking ideas.
Clarence V. Matthews
The Elder's Ledger
Reclaiming the Village, One Topic at a Time
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A young man approached me and inquired about going into business part time. My response to him was phrased in the form of question. I asked him, “What are you good at? 
Keeping in step with the stated theme of "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child," and the appropriated action to "Reclaim the Village," I believe we must look at the inner workings of the village and take proper action, yes, the necessary steps to arrive at our desired outcome.