ADDIS ABABA-The elderly need to exert efforts to sustain public civility and nurture the youth in a constructive manner so as to cement the longstanding social cohesion and teach the latter to shun conflicts, members of the Sidama community made the appeal.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, an elderly man from the Sidama community, Wondoson Kassa said senior citizens should discharge responsibility to provide the youth invaluable lessons and experiences that would put the country on a solid foundation. “If the elderly do not lead the young wisely, it is going to be difficult to keep cultures, norms and entrenched values intact. Thus, we, at any cost, should move towards changing the outlook of the new generation.”
According to Wondoson, nowadays, divisions and being green-eyed are rife in Ethiopia and become manifestations of the people. Therefore, every parent is responsible for teaching children about unity, love, forgiveness, sovereignty, productivity, and compassionate aspects. Indeed, the new generation should draw important and influential lessons from forefathers and foremothers about nationality, arts, cultural mediation, love, unity, and sense of national belongingness.
Tagay Artist AdugnaDumu (PhD), 68, said for his part that leading the youth through constructive ways should not be left to a single body; it rather requires the combined effort of families, communities, government agencies, and the like. Also, giving serious attention to cultures has been underlined as it is of paramount importance in shaping the new generation to develop a positive attitude towards the home nation.
“Ethiopia has been facing immense challenges due to the terrorist TPLF. Following this devastating scenario, a number of innocent citizens are killed, millions are displaced and immeasurable private and public property was looted and damaged. However, the incumbent has attached due emphasis to homegrown matters, cultures, productivity paths, language and others. Yes, it is the right time for the elderly to educate and shape children, the youth and the community at large as rightly as possible,” Tagay underlined.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
The Ethiopian Herald 20 May 2022
