BY STAFF REPORTER
Volunteering plays a significant contribution to promote citizenship, strengthen national unity and peace aside from addressing problems and lessening societal burdens. With this intention, the Ministry of Peace is working to “foster national integrity, enhances respect for diversity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, contributing to sustainable peace and stability in the country.”
Last Sunday, the Ministry launched the 6th round National Voluntary Community Service program in various universities. According to information from the Ministry, the program was launched in Bahir Dar, Jimma, Wachemo and Wolaita Sodo universities under the theme “graciousness for togetherness,” and respective universities held welcoming programs for volunteers who are drawn from various parts of the country to receive training.
Speaking at the welcoming program held at Wolaita Sodo University, the National Volunteer Service Lead Executive with the Ministry Gemechis Eticha, said that the primary target of the National Voluntary Community Development Service Program is to transfer Ethiopia’s good values, principles and inculcate a sense of patriotism among the young generation so that to promote national unity and bringing lasting peace throughout the country by developing their life skills, work culture, and moral and creating logical generation.
“Volunteers are duty bound to ensure the unity and sustainable peace of the country that our forefathers handed over to us with perseverance through utilization of all the available emerging technologies, knowledge and skills that the world has invented.”
He also urged volunteers to leave their positive mark on the activities carried out to bring about sustainable peace and national reconciliation. University’s Academic Affairs Vice President Mulatu Dea (PhD) on his part said that Wolaita Sodo University is working to make the program a success understanding the significant value of the program.
The University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace, has been providing training for young trainees including university graduates on the National Voluntary Community Development Service Program. In five rounds, more than 6,000 youth volunteers were trained and graduated. The University has played a role in producing volunteers who are able to contribute to nation building and sustaining peace so that they can serve the community efficiently.
As to him, in this round, (the 6th round) the University received more than 4 thousand trainees. The training would have incalculable benefits in terms of transmitting Ethiopian values and principles to the young generation.
The welcoming program was also held in Bahir Dar University with various events. University’s Administrative affairs President Birhanu Gedef welcomed guests from the Ministry of Peace, various institutions and trainees drawn from various parts of the country warmly.
As to him, the national volunteer training program would be carried out in coordination with the Bahir Dar University students and the Bahir Dar University community and it aims to transfer the good values, principles, love of country and people to the young generation.
To make the training a success and achieve the desired outcome, the University works hard, and the assigned trainers also strive to that end, he added. At this round, 0ver 1600 volunteers will take part in the training provided by Bahir Dar University and in collaboration with University’s community.
Management Chief Executive with the Ministry of Peace Mebrehatu Kassa said that the National Voluntary Program is a nationwide activity and a program the Ministry executes it to impart Ethiopia’s good values, principles, sense of patriotism within the young generation.
The other university that welcomed the 6th round National Voluntary Community Service program trainees was Jimma University. Administration and Student Service Vice President of the University Kenenissa Lemmi said that Jimma University, which is the ambassador of peace, is committed to effectively execute the national mission. The University, from the first to the 5th round, has graduated more than 10,000 young volunteers.
Stating the wide-ranging voluntary services the University has performed so far, Kenenissa underscored the role the trainees can play to ensure the peace and development of Ethiopia. The training, provided for 33 days for volunteers coming from different parts of the country targets at further strengthening social ties. The University will strive to make the youth’s stay at the University meaningful, said Habtamu Abebe, President of Wachemo University.
Producing a generation equipped with good morals and sound judgments is crucial in terms of advancing the development of the country. In this regard, apart from self-improvement, efforts should be made for the transformation of the country, he underlined. At the 6th round training program, over 10 thousand volunteers will take part, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald March 14/2023
