But it appears that widely held notion seems to be not only fading away, but becoming old fashioned in society these days.
This is because every ghetto youth these days has set his mind on the golden cake and wants to live a better and comfortable life.
This has led to the mass movement or some call it irregular migration toward the West in search of better life.
As irregular migration continues to be sensitive and hot topics for nations around the globe, tangible solutions should be put in place to encourage youth to stay.
Until then this mass movement will continue to be a hot debate for years to come.
In yesterday's edition, we reported that at least 951 migrants, including Gambians and Senegalese, have died so far in 2023 (6 months), according to a report released on Thursday by Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders).
This is indeed a cause for alarm as the number keeps escalating on a daily basis. Governments should create more opportunities for youth to work and stay in the country. Everyone has a right to travel but let it be through legal means. The hardships and in some instances the fatalities that come with, is unmeasurable.
Importantly, the menace has significantly affected our farming sector especially in the provincial Gambia, where farming is the main undertaking.
This has even led to significant reductions in farming activities in rural communities .
What is even more worrying is the fact that every minute, someone is on the move in search of better prospects and good live
Another factor encouraging more youth to embark on the journey is peer influence and false impressions by those, who have successfully made it to Europe.
With this fast-changing tech world and other unlimited opportunities, some younger people are made to believe that money rains on the streets of Europe. While, this is indeed that hard opposite realities in Europe, where racism, exclusion and hatred continues to be manifested towards minority groups.
What we need as a nation is a multi-sectoral approach to curb the growing menace. Society is such we all have a stake to contribute in curbing the phenomenon.
Let's remember that we are not only losing our able-bodied men and women in the desert and high seas, but the trauma and challenges for those who survive and made it to Europe.
Even for some of those youngsters, who made it to Europe had gone through very hard moments.