The sound of a train whistle echoes through the mountains of Laos and the savannas of Kenya, signaling more than just the arrival of a locomotive—it heralds a new era of opportunity for the youth in these regions. The China-Laos Railway and Kenya’s Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, flagship projects of the Belt and Road Initiative, are not just steel tracks laid across the land; they are pathways to dreams once thought unattainable.
For Mai, a young entrepreneur from a village in northern Laos, the railway has opened doors to markets she could only imagine. “Before the railway, getting our goods to the city was a two-day journey. Now, it’s just a few hours,” she shares with a smile. Her family’s handcrafted textiles are now reaching customers far and wide, boosting their income and inspiring others in her community.
In Kenya, David, a recent university graduate, found his calling aboard the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway. “Working on the railway has given me skills in engineering that I never thought I’d acquire,” he explains. The railway has not only provided jobs but also training programs that equip young Kenyans with valuable expertise.
These railways are more than infrastructural achievements; they are lifelines bridging remote areas to thriving urban centers, fostering cultural exchanges, and nurturing aspirations. Young people along these routes are embracing newfound possibilities—pursuing education, starting businesses, and connecting with the world like never before.
The tracks stretch far, but their impact goes further, weaving stories of hope and progress across continents. As these railways continue to operate, they carry with them the dreams of a generation eager to build a brighter future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
