On Sunday, Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed called on the youth to take active part in voluntary service program during a National Voluntary Service Program launch event held at the African Union (AU) hall.
He pointed out on the occasion that the anchoring principles of self-sacrifice inherent in voluntary service. The Premier also urged the youth to fully partake in the program and consider the skills they will develop as foundation skills for life.
Indeed , harnessing the youths ‘energy for productive purposes and applying wisdom in their day to day engagements is a must in a bid to make use one of social values of time management in which it is helpful and vital to focus solely on positive deeds .
It is worth telling a total of 116,000 youth were registered to take part in the program and to serve their community in different parts of the country.
Apparently, having participated in this program, a number of youths have become productive citizens and role models for their peers in many respects.
Aside from making available a wide range of such opportunities for such youths, the government and other concerned bodies need to engage in constant awareness creation campaigns than ever before.
It is true that the government and the general public have a big role in making the lives of youths better. But, no matter what kind of supports are being provided to them, the youths are the one who eventually decide on their future.
Capitalizing on the sweeping reform in the country, the government has made youth empowerment as one of its top priorities. But, this by itself is not enough. As much as possible, the nation needs to invest in youth.
As the saying goes ‘ family is a foundation of a given nation ‘, if there are many more strong and well respected families , undoubtedly ,the future of that nation will be rosy. Henceforth, every family has to fulfill its responsibility in nurturing the youth with one of virtues of humans that is earning money through sweat of their brow.
In fact, the social malaises like family feuds, peer influences, poverty, addictions, among others, are the main factors that lead youths to develop violent behaviors and to take self-destructive actions. To overcome such social impediments, a joint effort of the government and the public at large is required at this particular period in time.
In general, engaging youth in voluntary service program is crucial to sustain the ongoing reform and development drive apart from allowing the youth to equip with life skills.
The Ethiopian Herald February 25/2020
