Voluntarism is not something new to Ethiopians. It had been part of their culture. Besides excreting their efforts at home, they have also witnessed their courage and willingness by providing voluntary service out of their country. They were, for instance, the first to respond to all peace looking places.
Volunteerism is daily lifestyle of Ethiopians by which they support each other, show compassion and kindness to the needy and carryout various development activities.
For instance, during the Dergue regime, government embarked on a nationwide illiteracy eradication program by deploying hundreds of thousands of youths in the countryside in different parts of the country to provide basic education voluntarily. And the program was successful so much so that illiteracy was significantly reduced significantly throughout the country.
Lately, Ministry of Women, Children and Youth has announced that the clear commitment to expand volunteerism practices is being practiced by Ethiopian youth in the form of voluntary services on different development programs.
Ministry Senior Voluntary Work Officer, Bekele Dehne, said that unlike in previous periods currently, the government encourages volunteerism throughout the year. As to him, the Ministry has planned to participate over ten million youths for this summer in fourteen types of volunteering services.
The volunteers will be participated on blood donation, environmental protection, voluntary counseling and testing, seedling plantation, tutorial programs and others.
He noted that apart from covering a lot of development works that are not covered by government, participant youths will have an advantage in showing their spirit of nationalism for the next generations.
The Ministry is looking to shape volunteerism in a well established fashion to bring positive impacts. This includes fighting all forms negative thoughts. Building social values improved knowledge based skill will also be part of the plan.
According to him, though the country has no voluntary working policy, the practice was implemented through various approaches. Currently, the nation is drafting volunteerism policy that let youth experiences in more organized fashion. The policy is expected to address identified gaps in the country.
He noted that for this summer, cross boundary voluntary service is included in the plan. Youth volunteers will have a privileged to serve outside of their local areas. This approach could provide them firsthand experience to learn more about cultures and values of others, share experiences and develop their own skills.
Ministry Voluntary Work Officer Lidia Embakom, also noted that volunteerism has a great advantage to provide help for the needy people. In this regard, the efforts made by senior government officials to participate in volunteerism are an eye opener. This could change the misconception towards volunteerism. As Humanity is the center of life we should respect and give value to others, she added.
“In my view, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed`s services makes this year summer voluntary works unique and it has a great opportunity to encourage volunteerism in the country. We need to strengthen volunteerism culture. If we do it with courage and commitment we can build our nation simply with love and respect.”
Voluntary Service Overseas Ethiopia, Country Director, Rahel Gebremariam said that voluntarism is a system where people provide social services by their own motivation and without any obligation for the benefit of the society. The VSO has been par taking in strengthening the culture of volunteerism services and working with pertinent stakes in drafting voluntary service policy.
As to her, the commitment of higher government officials, the active role of prime minister has opened a new chapter and it is a great advantage to enhance volunteerism throughout the country.
It is necessary to develop the culture of volunteerism and develop it into the new level.
Yohannes Dawit is a resident of Addis Ababa around Mercato Aba Kora Sefer. He said that nothing can satisfy him other than providing voluntary service. As to him, “Whenever youths engaged in voluntary services they will get double advantages. On one hand they solve social problems without any costs. Secondly, they will get pragmatic knowledge.”
According to him, providing free service in areas where traffic jam is high will save money and property for the country. “This is the least we can do to our mother land. If we cannot provide money, we can serve the community in such a way,” he added.
The Ethiopian Herald June 19/2019
BY TAMERU REGASA
