In Ethiopia, volunteerism is a longstanding culture of Ethiopians that have been practiced for long by the society at large. For instance, giving day to day assistance for the destitute, supporting and caring for the elderly, helping people living with disabilities and marginalized segment of the society, and others who seek support are among the major humanitarian assistance that have been offered by Ethiopian society through organizing themselves in formal and informal organizations.
The deed though has been contributing its share for lessening societal challenges and the development of the country, as many scholars suggested, it lacks professionalism, and formality,
To minimize the challenges and carry out the service in more organized manner, Ministry of Peace has recently launched National Voluntary Service Program that enables thousands of volunteers to participate throughout the country in various community-centered services.
According to Asma Radi, Director General of Strategic Partners Coordination Office at the Ministry, Ethiopian youths passed through a number of unforgettable incidences and sacrifice their lives while protecting their country from external powers. This generation also has been undertaking exemplaryactivities through repeating the history of its forefathers.
“To further enhance the participation of youths in national issue, the government has set National Voluntary Service Program that will be undertaken by youths for fourteen consecutive months.”
Since the total percentage of the youth population is higher compared to the total number of population, involving youth in the program is feasible and is a good opportunity to develop volunteerism in the country.
For long, generosity and volunteerism are unique emblems of Ethiopians. However, currently various factors are eroding this longstanding culture of the public. To maintain this age old culture and pass it to the coming generation, inculcating the principle of volunteerism among the youths and involving them in voluntary works is an issue that should not be set aside. However, this could not be merely the responsibility of the government. All citizens and institutions, especially civic and religious institutions have an obligation to create disciplined youths, she remarked.
“It is undeniable that shaping the youths is shaping the generation, in turn shaping the country.”
Mentioning that the government has devised various mechanisms, (including youth development and participation policy and initiating to implement national job creation and other youth concerned programs as well), to solve the multilateral social and economic problems of youths, Asthma said that the programs have limitations in being accessible to all youths.
Therefore, in order to sustain the recently launched national reform and address poverty, social instability, as well as strengthen national cohesion, building the potential of youths in knowledge and skill is essential.
For the accomplishment of the program, as it is new, the Ministry has been promoting the program throughout the country and creating awareness towards it.
As to her, strengthening national cohesiveness, improving social integration, enabling youths to contribute for nation building are the core objectives of the program.
Since the program designed to serve all communities and the youths serve all irrespective of their ethnic, geographic and administrative differences, it creates the spirit of national pride and sense of patriotism within the mind of the youths.
Volunteers will also benefit from such services. Apart fromgaining new skills, knowledge and experience, it enhances their employability and competitiveness in future carriers.
So far 189 thousand youths, graduated from higher educational and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions have shown interest to take part in the program in line with their professions. Among these, 10 thousand youths will be participated in the first term of the program.
The program has gained great acceptance from representatives of civic society, media institutions and business people which is encouraging. And they have been discharging their responsibility accordingly for the successfulness of the program.
Noting that a two months training on mind set and consensus building, job creation and physical development is arranged for volunteers to boost their capacity,the General Director said that after they completed the trainings, they will be assigned to private and public institutions to provide free services for their community.
Government officials at all levels, concerned stakes and experts are highly committed to accomplish the program. The next activities will be performed in accordance with their respective schedules.
“I hope the next implementation phase will solve the problem of youths and enhance national unity and play great role in nation building.”
Recently, with a program organized to launch a National Voluntary Service, individuals and institutions who contributed a lot in volunteer services were recognized as Ambassador of volunteerism.
Pastor Yonathan Aklilu, the founder of excellent youth center,was one among those individuals who have got recognition. He said that, generosity is something that is deep-rooted in the hearts of Ethiopians.
“I will keep on giving all necessary assistance to the youths volunteered to engage in national service”.
Sister Zebider Zewdie, founder of Mary Joy Ethiopia on her part said that the recognition given to volunteerism is important in reinforcing efforts in voluntary service programs. As to her, Ethiopia needs more volunteers who will work in various social spheres to meet the needs of families victimized by social ills.
She also confirmed her commitment to exert all the necessary assistance to the youths that have volunteered to engage in the national service.
Chacchi Taddese, the other one who got recognition, also said that youth volunteers would contribute a lot to the realization of the hope of all Ethiopians.
Noting that she is proud of the recognition, she promised to consolidate the voluntary service program.
Another young volunteer ambassador from Somali Regional State, Nesen Abdulahi said Ethiopian youth have to be exemplary of peace initiatives and voluntary services.
“Our voluntary service would create strong family life, interfaith and national cooperation as well as harmony,”she stated.
“When we talk about volunteerism, we should not relate it only with our forefathers, as the current youths along with elderly people have been paying incalculable contribution for their country. We can exemplify the issue of border conflict between Oromia and Somali Regional State,” she said.
Though the conflict had resulted in for the death and displacement of many people, thanks to Ethiopian volunteers who negotiated, currently there is absolute peace and security around the areas. And currently there is strong harmony and integration between the two communities, she remarked.
The Ethiopian Herald February 26/2020
BY TAMERU REGASA
